Two women, two generations, one song. In the TikTok era, it's almost too easy to go viral for all the wrong reasons.
In 'The Bridge', by Sunny Grace, Richie Black, and Clare Hennessy, a washed up Aussie rock legend, Amber, discovers that a rising TikTok queer-pop personality, Alyssa, has covered her song from the '90s – and the cover's widespread attention is. . . Not so positive.
Amber isn't giving up her cult hit, or her voice, without a fight. . . Striking the match and lighting up the discourse of the cyclical fight for relevance in the digital age. Where does it end? Who is entitled to a song?
Here, we speak to multi-talented actress Zoe Carides, who is taking on the role of Amber in CrissCross Productions' 'The Bridge'.
What is ‘The Bridge’?
'The Bridge' is a play about two women from different generations who probably have more in common than they think. The title refers to the bridge of the appropriated song, which is Amber’s incendiary lyrics about her biggest life decision. But it's also a bridge between the two women, Amber’s burnt bridges, Alyssa’s bridge to the future.
Who is it for?
It’s a play which will hopefully resonate across a multi-generational audience.
Tell us a bit about your character, Amber.
Amber is sassy, intelligent, damaged and loving. And she refuses to go quietly!
It’s a show set in the era of TikTok celebrity. What’s it like to be a part of something with this subject matter?
It’s really interesting for me. I’m not on TikTok, and because Amber is not across it either, I’ve decided to be a bit 'method' and not get into it while we’re rehearsing. Obviously I’ve already picked up a bit here and there via our cast discussions, though. And Clare (Hennessy) is the perfect person to give life and substance to the young influencer character of Alyssa!
And your character is, in this context, considered ‘washed up’ as a ‘90s rock legend. What sorts of things did you tap into to embody this role?
Oh, you know – having been a well-known person when I myself was younger, and now not so much so!
The writers have spoken about ‘The Bridge’ exploring the ‘cyclical fight for relevance’. Why do you think this subject matter is important to bring to the stage?
We all have stories to tell and interesting things to share. Why should only certain people or aspects of humanity be deemed 'relevant'? Let’s hear from anyone who wants to speak up!
You’ve been a part of the development of the script over a few years. What’s been the biggest challenge in preparing to play the role of Amber?
Getting the callouses on my fingers hard enough to cope with steel strings!
On the flip side, tell us the biggest reward in being a part of the development.
The three writers are all amazing people – talented, open, generous, humorous, and write cracking dialogue. An actor’s gift. The young producers are a powerhouse duo too, and the other cast members and our director all bring their own incredible nuance to the work.
And how are you hoping audiences respond to the work?
I hope they love it – and I’m sure they will. I think they’ll find it funny, poignant and resonant in all sorts of ways. And I can’t wait to hit that stage and perform it for them!
'The Bridge' plays KXT On Broadway (Sydney) 29 August-13 September.
This story originally appeared on our queer sister site, FROOTY.
