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RUST BELT THEATER Actor-musician ready ‘To Burn’
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
YOUNGSTOWN
Bernadette Lim will star in “To Burn: A One Woman Show” at Rust Belt Theater Company this weekend and next.
Her show is the latest in an annual series in which one standout performer for the theater company is chosen for a solo show.
Directed by Rust Belt chief Robert Dennick Joki, “To Burn” will feature original songs and writings by Lim, an actor and a rock musician, as well as a variety of music and monologues.
“Each year we choose a member of our company, someone who has been sort of an MVP throughout the season, and give them an opportunity to stage a one-person musical revue,” said Joki.
“It gives performers an opportunity to challenge themselves and really show what they are made of.”
It will be the first time Lim has done a solo show.
“You can imagine my excitement when Rob Joki gave me the honor of asking me to create one this year,” she said.
“Receiving that message from him was one of the most terrifying and happiest moments of my life. So many thoughts ran through my head, but my main concern was ‘how personal I could really go?’”
Lim answered a few questions about her upcoming performances in this exchange:
Q. Will the songs be ones that you wrote for your solo music performances?
A. There aren’t many songs I usually perform at my music shows in “To Burn.” Reason being, this is a very different animal. I want to give the audience something they don’t usually see from my performances. I did write some pieces for the show. Along with a variety music selections, I’ve balanced it pretty evenly with monologues from other shows as well as original work I have written.
Q. One segment of your show will be a ‘Candle Dance.’ What is that?
A. In the Philippines, there is a popular folk dance called “Pandango sa Ilaw.” Its literal translation is “Dance of the Light.” In the traditional dance, the movements are faster and livelier, mimicking the way fireflies catch your eye at night. I remember being fascinated with the dance as a little girl, watching my mother and her friends get together and practice for various events. In my version, however, movements are slowed down and done in a more sensual manner.
Q. What is the theme of the show, or your goal?
A. At first, my goal was to bare all to all. Then, I realized that might not be such a good idea. Everyone has to keep some secrets, you know? But, it morphed into something very beautiful for me. It was very much a journey. I rediscovered my past along the way and grew more hopeful for the future. The title, “To Burn,” sums up the theme of my show. In life, you will get burned. That is inevitable. But, so far, all of us here and now have survived it. The wounds will heal. Sometimes slowly. They may scar. Sometimes in a place very visible to others. But, we’ll never forget what made us feel such an exquisite sensation. We’ll never forget what gave us that fire in our bellies. And sometimes, that fire burns too hot and we are left to ashes. It’s unique for everyone, but I know I’ve felt it. You’ve felt it. “To Burn” is to live, to love, and to die with passion.
Q. Could you give a quick recap of your theater performances in the past year, as well as an update on your musical career?
A. Theatrically, I was last seen as Medusa in Rob Joki’s original “Godiva: A Burlesque Musical.” I will be performing the role of Lyse in Rob Joki’s adaptation of “The Illusion” with the Mahoning Valley Players on June 27 at the Morley Pavilion in Mill Creek Park. In July, I’ll be rejoining the cast of “Forbidden Youngstown” at the Rust Belt Theater Company.
Musically, I am pursuing a solo career. I’m in the midst of several exciting projects. With the help of Katie Mikita and Nick Gregg of the band SexyPigDivas, I’ll be recording an EP this summer with a release in the winter.
I’m also in the process of recording an album with electronic dance music artist Icarus Fleu.
I’ll actually be opening “To Burn” with one of our songs, entitled “Fire.”