Interview with Mariana Klaveno

Since 2008 Mariana Klaveno is a part of HBO's "True Blood" in which she plays the part of a vampire called Lorena. We got the opportunity to get an exclusive interview with her. She told us about her childhood, her part as Lorena on the vampire-themed show, "True Blood" and her upcoming projects.

Attention, the interview contains spoilers for people who don't know the first two seasons of "True Blood".

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1. You grew up on a farm. Can you tell us a little bit about your childhood? What is your favorite memory of your childhood?

As a child, growing up on a farm was absolutely wonderful. It was so spacious, safe, and peaceful. My siblings and I had acres on which to run around and play. We did have to work quite a bit, helping with the animals and of course during harvest in the summer months, but I’m old enough now to appreciate that. I’m grateful that my parents instilled the values of having a solid work ethic and practicing discipline. I was a normal child, however, so at the time I’m sure I complained a fair amount about having to clean out the barn after school. The love affair faded a good deal once I got into high school, however. By then I was dying to be in a big city with culture and art and frankly, more people. As for a favorite memory, that’s difficult to choose. I guess I would have to say—playing in our sandbox (which my dad made out of an old tractor tire) with my brother, Conor.

2. When and why did you decide to become an actor?

I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I have no idea where the desire or impulse came from but it goes back as far as I can remember. I was pretty secretive about it, however, because it seemed so outlandish and impossible to me then. Actually it still seems that way some days!

3. You played parts in different genres. What is your favorite one?

I love so many different genres and I don’t think I could pick one. I really enjoy doing really stylized things like "True Blood", and I adore being able to play around in different time periods. I’d love to be able to do a comedy one of these days. I seem to mostly get cast in very dark, villainous parts, so playing the complete opposite would be fun. Although, the villains are extraordinarily fun.

4. Apart from being an actress for film and television you also played some theatre roles. What do you enjoy most?

Television and film are really interesting mediums to work in and satisfying in their own way, but I have to say that nothing is as gratifying as doing live theatre. It’s such a unique relationship that you have with an audience when you’re up on stage. I miss it. It’s difficult to do theatre in Los Angeles, mostly because of the schedule demands. Hopefully there are many more plays in my future down the road.

5. How did you react when you were offered the part of Lorena on "True Blood"?

I was ecstatic! I couldn’t believe I was going to be a part of an Alan Ball show. I called my family and my boyfriend, and then I went in for my hostess shift at the restaurant where I used to work.

6. Can we expect to see more of you as Lorena in season 3? If so, can you perhaps give us some scoop what’s going to happen with your character?

You will definitely see more of Lorena in Season 3. I can’t give too much away but there are more amazing costumes, special effects, stunts, and of course: blood.

7. "True Blood" is very different from "Twilight" and "The Vampire Diaries", which mainly address a younger audience. What do you think makes "True Blood" different?

I think you just nailed it. "True Blood" is a very adult show with far more adult themes than the other projects you mentioned. I think—although I’m not very familiar with them—they focus more on adolescent longing and all the emotions surrounding your first love. "True Blood", on the other hand, is more of an ensemble show and incorporates many different themes such as comedy, horror, social inequality, sexuality, and tolerance. I love that there are significant differences so that people can genuinely enjoy both without feeling like they’re doubling up.

8. There are some explicit scenes for adult viewers on "True Blood". Is it difficult or strange to shoot these scenes?

Yes, those kinds of scenes can be awkward to film. We actually just shot one a few weeks ago. For me, it’s important to go over with the director and the other actor exactly what is going to happen. It’s a very vulnerable place to be and it makes me feel more comfortable to know I’m not going to be caught off-guard by anything. Then I think you have to laugh between takes to break up the tension. Stephen Moyer is a wonderful acting partner and incredibly generous so I’m lucky in that respect, and he keeps me laughing.

9. What's your opinion on this big hype about the vampire genre right now? Do you like watching vampire shows or movies like "Twilight", "True Blood" or "The Vampire Diaries"?

Vampires are undeniably popular right now and I honestly can’t say why. Maybe people are really looking for escapism right now, so they turn to stories about comic book heroes and supernatural beings. I do enjoy vampire stories and I of course love watching "True Blood". I haven’t seen "Twilight" or "Vampire Diaries" yet, but I know a lot of people who love them. Personally, I was a big "Buffy" fan. I watched every season religiously.

10. Do you have any other new projects you can tell us about?

I just finished a film a few months ago called "No God, No Master". It’s a historical crime drama set in 1919 New York about a group of anarchists who set off a series of bombs in specifically targeted areas around the city. David Strathairn plays the main character in the film and I was fortunate to have every scene with him. I’ve admired his work for so long and it was truly a pleasure to find myself acting opposite him. I loved my character, too. She is an interesting departure from Lorena and challenging in a completely different way.

11. If you could put together an entire crew for a movie or show: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

Wow—that’s so difficult to narrow down! Off the top of my head I would have to say the Coen brothers. They make such brilliant and unique films. I’ve been a huge fan since I first saw Raising Arizona as a child. In my fantasy cast I would include Helen Mirren, Richard Jenkins, Kate Winslet, Gene Hackman, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close. . .I’ll stop there because I could go on for pages.

12. What is your favorite place in the world? Where do you feel most comfortable?

I have too many favorites, but I will say that I think the most beautiful place to me is Positano, Italy. It’s breathtaking. Right now, I feel most comfortable in my new apartment. I moved in a few months ago and I absolutely love it. I sit in my chair by the window with a book or a script and I feel so content.

13. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

My favorite show right now is "Damages". Glenn Close is absolutely masterful in that role. Every episode is an acting lesson for me.

Catherine Bühnsack - myFanbase