Emily Robinson – Transparent

By starrymag | January 20, 2016

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

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

 

A) “Transparent” has been amazing. This season I play a different character. A big theme this season is that our genes and history have an impact on us and inform our lives and future. It’s very flashback heavy and I think “Transparent” has had a cool setup with their flashbacks. It highlights the main cast in the present. I recently worked on the film Behold My Heart with Marissa Tomei and Charlie Plummer (who I went to middle school with). It’s a coming of age story about a boy whose father dies and he has a weird dynamic with her because she is an alcoholic and she goes to a dark place. I play his love interest. It was a really special project to work on. We just finished working on it in December. There is a short film that is in post-production as well that I directed, wrote and acted in.

 

Q) As you mentioned, you are playing a different character this season on “Transparent.” Did you know you were being brought back and what were your initial thoughts to difference?

 

A) I found out I think in March that I would be brought back. It was one of those thing where people would say, “Oh, you will be back!” But you’re like, “I don’t know if I’ll be back,” but it’s fine. It happens. If I did come back, it was always assumed I’d be back as young Ali. I got to the table read at Jill’s [Soloway] house and she pulled me aside to talk to me and another actor. We sat down and she told us the story. After we found out about what the story was going to be like, three weeks later we had the first rehearsal that took three days and it was the six of us. We improvised scene ideas and discovered the characters. We developed relationships with the other actors and worked on the arc of the season. It was really cool to be a part of the development of that process.

 

Q) The show has been so well embraced. What do you attribute that to?

 

A) I have to say that Jill is just a fearless leader. She has created such a safe space and an inclusive space that has really opened a dialogue. I think the space she creates enables people to really identify. I think it is just an incredible, collaborative space of people that you are inspired to that are open to new ideas. You’re able to work off each other and it really helps. Being around other people when you are doing something creative you really are able to pick up this idea or that idea or listen to other people and get inspiration. When you are by yourself, you don’t get that opportunity.

 

Q) How has it been for you getting fan feedback through social media?

 

A) It’s really sweet. It’s sort of odd because it was interesting when it finally went live because you kind of create this thing in a sort of bubble. It feels so intimate and like a secret memory of yours that no one knows about. Then, all of a sudden the world can see it and it’s so exciting to share it, but it was a private moment that gets shared. So, it’s exciting to see people react, especially in a positive way because it is something that is created with so much love and thought. It’s really rewarding when people not only see it and respond to it. Then, they send questions and we discuss it. It’s exciting. It’s really exciting!

 

Q) What moments are you most looking forward to receiving a reaction to?

 

A) There are certain things as an actor you want to do in your career, which one was giving birth. I just didn’t know I would be doing it at age sixteen. I had a friend who just gave birth so they gave me some tips. I needed some help with that one! I got to work with Andrea Arnold. Andrea got to choose the episodes, but Jill directed the flashbacks. Andrea was a huge inspiration for the flashbacks last year because Jill was such a fan of hers. Having talked so much about her and heard so much about her it was a very cool experience to work with her.

 

Q) What have you taken away from working on this project?

 

A) I think one of the major things that I have learned is just that all of the actors, writers, directors and everyone are so generous with their time. It’s such a warm and welcoming environment. People welcomed me and told me not to worry. They were such generous people. I think it’s remembering to give others their moment that is a learning experience and something I will always remember. They are all so generous and kind. They are the most amazing people that you’re like, “I just want to watch you!” It’s just remembering to be generous and reciprocating generosity.

 

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching “Transparent?”

 

A) I think this season is a lot about coming to terms with yourself and the situation, figuring out where to go from there. The saddest moment to me (heartbreaking) is when Mara (Jeffrey Tambor) doesn’t want to come out because she is afraid how people will react. It’s a horrible, horrible situation. Meanwhile, Mara is totally familiar with trans-life. She has come out, but no one is really aware of it at this point of time. I think if she had come out sooner there would have been acceptance for her. I think it’s difficult and it might not always be welcomed with a warm embrace, but remember to be yourself unapologetically.