Exclusive interview with Katrina Law

Oktober 26, 2014 | Katrina Law portrays slave Mira on "Spartacus" and assassin Nyssa al Ghul on the CW drama "Arrow". In our interview she talks about her acting experiences, her characters and her work on the sets of "Spartacus" and "Arrow" and also about her social media experiences.

Foto: Katrina Law - Copyright: Joe DeAngelis
Katrina Law
© Joe DeAngelis
Note: © myFanbase 2014 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first two questions (up to 180 words) if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the link to this site.

1. You are an actor and a musician, too, which sounds like a dream come true. How did you get into performing arts?

Being able to work as a professional artist is a dream come true!!! The funny thing is, growing up I wanted to be a cardiologist, or an underwater marine documentarian specializing in sharks, or a marine biologist. My mother had placed me in dance lessons at the age of 3 and I sang off and on for a few years. But it wasn't until my freshman year of college that I landed the role of Cassie in "A Chorus Line" that I realized performing arts was my true calling.

2. We just had the pleasure of meeting some of the "Spartacus" cast at the "Spartacus" Convention in Paris and it is such a beautiful and precious thing how much they keep the memory of Andy Whitfield alive. You had incredibly emotional scenes with him, what do you remember best from working with him?

Andy was special in so many ways. His kindness and gentleness will always stand out to me and made my entire first season of Spartacus so welcoming and fulfilling. But I like to hold onto the small things most of all. What I remember most is how our stomachs wouldn’t stop growling during the filming of one of our more intimate scenes and how we couldn’t stop laughing as the director had to keep yelling cut because our stomachs insisted on being fed. Loudly.

3. Liam McIntyre said at the convention the great writing surprised him most about "Spartacus". What was the biggest surprise for you on the show?

I was most surprised by the amount of dirt that was still caked into my pores three months after shooting had ended. And I swear to goodness I was bathing daily… with copious amounts of soap.

4. You also joined Gladiator Boot Camp, what did that involve, especially for the ladies?

Gladiator boot camp involved lots of burpees, gut drills, flipping of oversized tires, having heavy objects thrown at your head and you being expected to catch them, carrying random people over your shoulder to the other side of the room, getting hit in the knuckles and bleeding from swords and knives and shields, lots of protein shakes, and generally organized mayhem. It was an experience of a lifetime and I loved every second of it. And for the ladies, it usually meant kicking the boys butts in the cardio department ;)

5. Four "Spartacus" actors are on "Arrow" now and you play Nyssa al Ghul. What was the auditioning process like for this role and how did you prepare for it?

There really wasn't much special preparation for that audition beyond the work that goes into any other audition. I knew the character name they gave for the audition was a fake, so I had no idea what part I was auditioning for. It wasn’t until after I booked the part and then TV Guide announced the casting that I knew what role I was to be playing. It was a fun way to find out. After the TV Guide announcement came the preparation. I did research on Nyssa Al Ghul and the Al Ghuls. It was a fun process and I love the complexity of my new family.

6. How would you describe Nyssa, what is it like to play the daughter of one the biggest villains?


It is an absolute honor and joy to be able to play Nyssa Al Ghul and bring her to life.

Being how she is a fairly unestablished character, (only appearing in 19 comic book issues) the writers and I have been able to work outside the box on how to bring this character to life. I think Nyssa is "old school" in her mentality and otherworldly in her upbringing, and struggles with the conflict between living within the guidelines of The League of Assassins and the true calling of her heart.

Foto: Katrina Law - Copyright: Joe DeAngelis
Katrina Law
© Joe DeAngelis

7. Can you tell us a little bit about the relationship between Nyssa and Sara and what Nyssa thinks about Oliver, who Sara starts dating?

Sara is the love of Nyssa's life and Nyssa would do anything for her.

I think at first Nyssa is very curious about the man who once held Sara's heart. She’s a bit dismissive towards Oliver but as they interact more and more Nyssa begins to gain a warriors respect for the man.

8. Can you reveal if you're gonna be in season 3? If so, what sides of Nyssa are we going to see?

Nyssa will be back for sure :) No spoilers.

9. What is your favorite Nyssa scene? And what were your highlights shooting your episodes?

I love the fight scenes. They are so much fun and James Bamford, Arrow’s stunt coordinator, is beyond fantastic as well as his team. One of my favorite acting scenes will be coming up in Season 3 between Katie Cassidy’s Laurel and Nyssa. It’s a fun short scene and I can't wait for everyone to see it!


10. How do you experience communication between actors and fans through social media? What does it add to the experience being on a show with a passionate fandom?

I have been fortunate to be a part of shows with fantastic fans. "Spartacus", "Legend of the Seeker", "Chuck", and now "Arrow". All have their own rabid, invested, passionate, usually quite charming, funny and beautiful fans. Social media has been great way to stay connected and it allows me to say thank you for the support personally. We would be nothing without our fans and their love and support and I cannot thank each and everyone of them enough.

11. Would you tell us three things that are on your bucket list?

Dog Sledding.
Volunteering on a wild life game preserve.
Touring China with my parents and husband.


12. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about tv shows, we would like to know what your favorite shows are?

Ooh. It’s an eclectic mix. Don’t judge me!

"True Detective"
"Game of Thrones"
"Lost Girl"
"Ray Donovan"
"Gossip Girl"
"Elementary"
"Grey’s Anatomy"
"Outlander"
"The Mindy Project"
"The Voice"
"Dancing with the Stars"
"West Wing"
"The Colbert Report"
"Vikings"

Thank you, Katrina, we wish you all the best with your projects!

Ceren K. & Nicole Oebel - myFanbase

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