Aleksandra Epstein: When I saw the announcement that the theater school is looking for students, I thought: Why don’t I try?

Viewers know the young actress Aleksandra Epstein by her roles in such projects as “The Singer” and “Taking up the struggle”. At first, she hadn't planned to be an actor, choosing a “serious” field of study for her first degree. But eventually, her passion towards cinema took the upper hand...

Aleksandra stars in the leading role in the new melodrama “Better Than Anyone”. She plays Masha, a talented pianist who is in search of herself, her place in life, and, ultimately, for love...

• Aleksandra, on the first filming day you mentioned that your character remained a child at heart. What do you think about your character Masha now?

In fact, I’m still getting to know her, because Masha is a girl who's full of surprises. We are very different, but that's what is interesting about her! We are united by an acute sense of justice. I’m grateful to my partners at the set, because we always discuss our characters and their actions. And since we have a very unusual love story in our film, we try to portray our characters as honestly as possible.

• Rumor has it that your character will get four or five lovers...

Well, that’s about true, but let’s not spoil the details (laughs). Masha trusts every man that appears in her life, and believes that every one of them may become the one to make her happy.  She’s quite naive and doesn’t expect the treacheries of life, and that’s what is attractive about her. For her, it’s very important to keep her ingénue outlook and not to turn into a cynic.

• Sasha, both you and your character have a musical education. How often do you play the piano yourself?

Well, it does happen every now and then... Of course, it’s important to practice all the time, but I mostly play for myself. That happens mostly when I’m under a strong impression or when I’m very emotional.

• Is it true that that your first degree was in tourism management?

Yes (laughs). I always had a keen interest in geography, and when I graduated from school, I had a choice: tourism or art. Over time, my passion for art finally determined my future life.

• How did it happen that now you’re acting and not sending tourists to the most remote corners of the world?

Once I came across a large banner announcing the admission of students to the Karpenko-Kary Theater Institute. And so I decided to give it shot! Besides, that was my last chance to apply, as the institute doesn’t accept applications to study acting from girls over 22 years old. And somehow, I made it! My supervisor was Nikolai Nikolaevich Rushkovsky.

• Did you ever regret your choice?

No, but of course there have been times of hardship and doubt. But I’m very goal-oriented – I strive to move forward and not to be stuck in the same spot; not to stay the same, but to look for ever new forms.

• What do you do when you’re not filming?

I serve in the theater! After graduation, my classmates and I created a new theater – the Workshop of Nikolai Nikolaevich Rushkovsky. We are located in the Lesia Ukrainka Library of the Arts. We have a very diverse repertoire, and our shows are usually sold out – and that’s what makes us happy!

• Aleksandra, are you in love now?

More of a yes than no (laughs). One should always be in this state – no matter who or what the subject is. Love helps in life and transforms the world.