In this engaging conversation, Miranda Tapsell, a talented actor and writer known for her roles in The Sapphires and Love Child, shares her journey through rejection. She discusses the emotional resilience required in both personal and professional realms, reflecting on her struggles after drama school. Tapsell also highlights the specific challenges faced by Indigenous actors in the industry, revealing a transformative moment during an open casting call that marked a turning point in her career. Her insightful narratives offer hope and encouragement to anyone navigating setbacks.
Miranda Tapsell emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming career rejection, highlighting that setbacks can lead to growth and new opportunities.
Tapsell advocates for greater cultural representation in storytelling, stressing the significance of Indigenous voices and her personal experiences as a Larrakia Tiwi woman.
Deep dives
Overcoming Initial Rejection
Miranda Tapsell shares her early experiences of rejection after graduating from drama school. Initially struggling to find work, she recalls a specific instance where she was denied a job at a cafe despite her qualifications and experience. This rejection was not only discouraging but also highlighted the biases she faced as a First Nations woman in a competitive job market. Fortunately, Tapsell's breakthrough came with the film 'The Sapphires,' which opened up numerous opportunities and marked a turning point in her career.
The Importance of Resilience
Tapsell discusses the vital role resilience plays in the acting profession, emphasizing that rejection does not equate to failure. Through her experiences, she realized that enduring rejection has taught her to focus on the positive aspects of auditions and performances. She draws on Julianne Moore's perspective that being gracious about a friend's success in a role can be liberating. Tapsell also notes that persistence is key, as she continuously looks forward to new projects, not dwelling on past auditions.
Embracing Cultural Identity
Tapsell reflects on her cultural identity and the complexities of being a Larrakia Tiwi woman in Australia. She expresses that she doesn't always identify with the national narrative, particularly during occasions like Australia Day, viewing it as an exclusionary experience. Despite facing backlash for her views, she finds strength in her heritage and the storytelling traditions of her people. Tapsell underscores the importance of cultural representation in storytelling and the need for greater inclusion of Indigenous voices in the industry.
Whether you’ve been passed over for promotion or dumped by the love of your life, moving on from ‘no’ can be tough. Actor and writer Miranda Tapsell tells Reged Ahmad how she’s dealt with rejection throughout her career and how setbacks have made her stronger You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode