Performer Madeleine Sami

Ten years after her first solo performance in Toa Fraser’s No.2, Madeleine Sami has returned to the stage to revisit the nine characters she “loves so much”.

Today is the hottest day of the year and Nanna Maria wants a feast. She wants all of the grandkids here, but none of her children - they're all bloody useless. She wants a big, long table outside and a pig on a spit. She wants to make it real flash, she wants tablecloths and stuff. And a priest. She wants spirits dancing, squabbles in the kitchen and bitching in the backyard. And some beers. And she doesn't want anybody to go hungry. She just wants the miracle of family. Because today Nanna Maria is going to name her successor.

Mixing kava with karaoke, writer Toa Fraser pushes culture forward to celebrate the raucous joy, the shifting dynamics and the chaos that only an extended family knows.

The Pumphouse Theatre presents the Autumn Collection Season of No.2, from April 1 to April 11.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Um…at the moment late at night…ooh…

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Eclectic?

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Performing live.

How does your environment affect your work?
I am stimulated by clutter.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Big picture. Details stress me out.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Love what you do.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
My band. The Sami Sisters. YAY!

Who or what has inspired you recently?
Recently…Britney Spears. Everyone loves a comeback.

Describe No.2?
9 characters + 10 years + me = No2!

How does this performance differ from the original stage play?
I am older now. My knees hurt more.

Why were you interested in doing the play again, how did it come about?
I just thought 10 years had passed and I might as well do it again eh? Yeah!

What have been the challenges and rewards so far?
It’s awesome to be revisiting these characters I love so much.

Who else is involved?
The Silo and Pumphouse theatre.

What are your other plans for this year?
Recording an album with my sisters. Filming the Jaquie Brown diaries Series two.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
I’d be a Volcanologist. Because I love Volcanoes.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Onehunga.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Really good headphones. Because the music sounds real good through them.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A wave harnessing electricity turbine that can meet the energy requirements of the whole world cleanly and efficiently. Or a wigwam for ants.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
GO TO SLEEP MAN!!!

What's great about today?
The sunshine…aah.

What’s your big idea for 2009?
My big idea would be to do things that make me happy!