Trying her hand at politics: ANNA WANTS YOUR VOTE!

PLAYING A FORMER FIRST LADY HAS BEEN A TRUMP MOVE

- Nicola Russell

Anna Jullienne is used to the spotlight – she’s been in the public eye since she launched her career on Shortland Street almost two decades ago. But playing the wife of America’s most maligned president has opened her eyes to a whole new level of scrutiny.

“All of a sudden, freedoms you take for granted are taken away – like being able to go to the toilet without a security guard standing outside listening – and it is not even your journey, it’s a journey you are taken on because of your partner.”

Anna takes to the stage opposite veteran actor Jennifer Ward-Lealand in political dramedy Two Ladies this month at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, then will be touring it around the North Island. The pair play the wives of the US and French presidents, with Anna’s character Sophia based on Melania Trump and Jennifer’s character Hélène based on Brigitte Macron.

When the 38-year-old agreed to take on the role last year, she had no idea just how timely it would be. As rehearsals kicked off in early January, Donald Trump supporters had just stormed the Capitol in a violent riot, but true to her craft, Anna didn’t let this stop her from connecting with her character.