We had the good fortune of connecting with Luka Lyman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luka, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking a risk is easiest when we’re not focused on the risk, like when we’re just compelled to do a thing, to jump in. It’s once we’re in the middle of it, the risks often become apparent. That’s how it works in me. Then it becomes all about the perseverance and seeing the thing through. In those moments, when I’m struggling with obstacles in my way, I remind myself that what’s important about risk is that the benefits become apparent later on. “Remember Luka”, I may say to myself, “when this thing is complete and the gratification fills you up, you will have the ability to look back and say, Yea, I did that. Now, head down and keep going.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an actor and have worked in and loved all facets of performing. For the last four years, I’ve immersed myself in solo plays by writing, acting and coaching. My first solo show, called Island Girl: A Rescue Mission opened on March 6, 2020. One week later, Solofest, the festival where I premiered at Whitefire Theatre was cancelled but they were able to quickly pivot and host encore shows via livestream. Bryan Rasmussen at Whitefire invited me to perform the show via livestream and the experience was strange and thrilling. I had to really trust the play I had created without that direct connection to the audience and also believe in the power I possess as an actor. That first livestream left me feeling curious and the second and third gave me a lot of confidence. I’ve since performed the show live and having a live audience is still decidedly more fun. Creating solo theatre is incredibly interesting to me because I can use everything I’ve learned and have in my actor toolbox but it offers me so many more possibilities than other forms of theatre. I play 23 characters in Island Girl, both men and women, children and multiple trees. Working in this way has revealed a fantastical quality to my imagination so my plays carry an element of magical realism. This has been fun to discover in myself. In some ways, I feel like I’m just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Sherman Oaks (the Shoaks!) and it is such a great neighborhood. When we have family or friends visiting we always spend time walking around our area. There is a well kept path along the LA River, you can discover hiking trails in the hills and there are a ton of restaurants. I love taking guests to get ramen at Umigame Japanese Kitchen when they arrive because it seems to hit that comfort spot after a day of travel and the service there is always good. Just down the street is Whitefire Theatre which produces great shows. For a night out in heels, I really enjoy going downtown to see a show at the Mark Taper Forum or the symphony at Walt Disney Hall. When my dad visits, we take him out to the ballpark at Dodger Stadium and to one of the many wonderful botanical gardens we have in LA. Huntington Library is definitely a favorite. Farmer’s Markets are on my list as well to take guests. There is always something delicious in season and it’s a great way to appreciate being in California.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dear friend, Kimberly-Rose Wolter, is a great source of inspiration to me. We grew up together in Hawaii and it’s so nice to have that connection to home with her. Also, it’s just been awesome to be in the orbit of her creative force. Look her up, she’s making things.

Early in the process of creating my solo play, I connected with a talented woman who would become my director, Jessica Lynn Johnson. She is definitely one to know in the solo theatre world and has created an amazing community through her business, Soaring Solo. I’m very thankful to her and give her a big Shout Out! Many members of this community have also been incredibly inspiring to me, like actress Barbara Brownell, tap dancer and mime, Lynne Jassem, voice actor Carla Delaney and so many more.

The most influential and supportive of all my work is my husband, Billy Minogue.  I thank my lucky stars that he shares his creative genius with me.

Website: www.PuaAngels.com

Instagram: @Lukamele

Facebook: Luka Lyman Minogue

Other: LukaLyman@gmail.com

Image Credits
Billy Minogue- photographer

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