Crystle Lightning – Trickster

By starrymag | February 16, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) What initially made you want to be a part of the series?

A) To be honest, I hadn’t read Eden’s [Robinson] first book until I auditioned for the show. As soon I was introduced to the character “Maggie,” I was hooked. My whole career, I feel like I have been working towards playing such a multi-dimensional character. And then, the rest of the story just took me on this rollercoaster ride. AND it was based on Indigenous stories and characters. What a dream!

 

Q) How was your character Maggie originally described to you?

A) The character breakdown of Maggie was a woman who is fearless. Jared’s Mother who hears voices, drinks too much and is a witch. Hasn’t healed from her trauma so she acts out. But will do anything for her baby boy.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your co-stars before working with them on this show?

A) I had heard of Kalani [Queypo] (who plays Wade) but had never worked with him. And, of course, I had heard of my mother (Georgina Lightning) who plays my actual mother in the series. This has been my most favorite cast to work with.

 

Q) How much of the series is rooted in Indigenous folklore and how much are monsters/creatures viewers may already be familiar with?

A) The entire series revolves around the Indigenous stories of the Haisla “Trickster.” In this case, the Trickster is a raven. Different Nations have their own version of “Trickster.” Other Native myths in the series consist of Ancients, witches and skinwalkers. If you are familiar with Indigenous folklore, then you will find them familiar. If not, you’ll be entertained with something new.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming such an intense series?

A) As soon as I was wrapped and put on my regular clothes, I tried to turn in off. But, to be honest, when you are playing such an intense and emotionally charged character, your wheels are always turning about the next scenes. Plus, I had a newborn baby with me that I had to tend to and was exclusively breastfeeding the entire shoot.

 

Q) It’s incredible to see so many Indigenous people at the forefront of a show. What does this mean to you, personally?

A) Personally, this was the first time I had ever experienced this. Seeing Indigenous people in almost every department was beautiful! Made me feel like we are finally getting our chance. We are now breaking down the barriers of Indigenous stereotypes in the media.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments or episodes of “Trickster?”

A) My personal favorite episodes are 1 and 5. The first episode you get a good feel for Jared (Joel Oulette) and Maggie’s dysfunctional, yet loving relationship. It takes you into their world (also, my real-life son Kisik played baby Jared in the flashback scene). I love episode 5 because the audience finally gets to see Maggie in her rare vulnerability and hopefully has some compassion as to why she is the way she is. The scenes I had with my mother in this episode were authentically emotional and is some of my best work.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to the show so far?

A) Honestly, the feedback for this show has been nothing but positive. There are brown brothers and sisters everywhere watching other brown people on primetime TV.  Indigenous Peoples of all Nations are witnessing something absolutely historic. A Representation that they can connect with, finally.

Non-Natives get to see our experience through Eden Robinson’s pen and see that we exist and that we can lead a series that’s not just based in the 1800s. It has also been incredible to see the response from Non-Natives. We get to share our beautiful culture, our mythology, our traditions and our real-life struggles with the Canadian government and large corporations that are destroying our sacred lands for profits.

 

Q) What are the other recent projects you have been busy working on?

A) I recently shot a guest star spot on the Citytv series called “Hudson & Rex.” The episode is called “Blood on the Tracks” and will air in March. I am actually auditioning.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) I would like to say to everyone who has been supporting me throughout the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been a long and challenging road to get this place in my acting career. Never give up, no matter how many rejections you get and no matter what field you are in… I promise, someone out there is looking for EXACTLY what you have to offer.  Work hard on your craft and be ready for when the opportunity presents itself.