Fast confession - Hana Holišová: I was thrilled by the chance to become somebody new every week
In her work she’s like a chameleon, yet instead of acting she has devoted herself to secondary teaching school. It was only there that Hana Holišová (36) took her parents’ words to heart and came to believe she’s a comedian.
What are the pros and cons for an actor to act in a never-ending series like Ulice (The Street)?
It’s probably highly individual, depending on who’s looking at it. I personally enjoy it. I don’t like stereotype, and although the series has been going on for years, I don’t feel it. There are two alternating crews and a number of directors. It seems that there is new energy with every new block with film.
The series deals with a number of current topics that every parent is familiar with. You son is dealing with love, your daughter moved to America for a while. Where do you find the emotions?
I don’t know. I don’t really think about it. Naturally, I get impulses from our serial children, which I think is the ideal variant. I remember something from my childhood and growing up, I recall what my mother always used to say and I also read the script, so sometimes I remember my own situation. I’ve also played a mother in the theatre several times, so it’s a mix of everything.
In addition to Ulice you’ve also featured in the competition Tvoje tvář má známý hlas (Your Face Has a Familiar Voice), where you showed tremendous singing talent.
People who knew me from the series or television probably had no idea that I also sing and dance. In a way, it was a surprise for me too, because the contest was about shifting certain boundaries. I enjoyed the diversity, variety. I was thrilled by the chance to become somebody different every week. The idea alone was great fun but I was also worried about any faux pas, about making a fool of myself.
What about stress? After all, you have obligations other than the show.
It was demanding but I never regretted it. I can film a series, play in the theatre in the evening, appear in a musical the next day and play a dramatic role or perform a young girl the day after. Isn’t it fantastic? As for solo singing, I say to myself that may the right moment will come. I already sing in some big band performances, so let’s see how it evolves.
Has there even been a turning point where you said: “I have to slow down, pay more attention to myself and perhaps children that may come?” Or are you simply enjoying the work offers and not thinking about these things yet?
I generally don’t like to speak about my private affairs. I’m a very active person – rather hyperactive – so I enjoy having a lot to do. I like to do things to the fullest, but when I feel I’m running out of steam, I try to pick and choose to make sure I enjoy the work.
How do you recharge? Every woman likes shopping or travelling. Do you have any time left to relax and maybe enjoy a ladies’ day?
Only minimally in recent times. What I miss most isn’t shopping of ladies’ days, but meeting up with my friends or family. I would like that. What recharges me is that it is spring, soon it will be summer, and autumn and winter are still far away. I am really the summer type, I love the sun and warmth. There is no risk of a holiday or longer break in the near future. Probably later in summer. Ulice does not film in July and we have time off, but I will probably be acting in Noc na Karlštejně (A Night at Karlštejn) on set at the Karlštejn Castle, which is a pleasant “obligation” because the atmosphere is great. Then I hope to have some time to go somewhere warm and avoid work for a few days. Just recently we debuted the musical Chaplin, which I play in, at the Brno Municipal Theatre. We also play outdoors at the Bishop’s Court in June or July. I am also featured in the musical Rocky at the Prague Congress Centre at the moment. It premiered on 3 March and I was delighted by our cooperation with the German director who rehearsed with us. Everybody finds their own: boxing matches which the guys train for incredibly, and the love story mixed in.
Were you inclined towards this art from a young age?
I started with ballet, but it didn’t catch on enough for me to do it full time. I played the piano for some time. My parents wanted me to have some basic cultural and musical education, so I played from the age of six. I had no idea which secondary school to attend so I chose a school that was praised by my cousin and friend. It was a secondary teaching school that I started devoting more time to music. Piano, guitar and flute were mandatory subjects. For I while I even played contrabass. I never imagined I would take an artistic direction; I sang because I enjoyed it. I only attended JAMU because of my father, who always used to tell me that I’m a comedian.
Are you a hard worker or lucky child that you can act, sing and dance?
I like shifting boundaries. On the other hand, I feel rather lazy as a Leo, which is why I have to face a specific task in order to take it on and achieve the desired goal. I take things in life the way they come.
You often think about others. You cooperate with the Pomozte dětem (Help Children) foundation, and have joined a project to fight cancer.
I’m among those people who think about things in life too much. Over time, as one gets older, I realise that there are only few things worth bothering about. I’d like to take advantage of the fact that I am visible to help the needy. I am glad and proud to have become one of the Avon March ambassadors for this year. You can contribute to a good cause too by buying a pink t-shirt, available from 1 May at C&A stores or from your Avon lady. The march will take place on 10 June in Prague, so I look forward to seeing you all there.
