Muse
Meet Raquel
Actress, dancer, boxer, wannabe singer and still-aspiring better human
Can you share more about your upbringing and background?
I am originally from a little Spanish town called Pamplona and I had a quite conservative upbringing. From when I was 9 till I was 17 I competing in rhythmic gymnastics at a National level.
At the age of 17 I moved to Barcelona. I studied and worked in musical theatre for three years but a knee injury put me out of the industry. Then at the age of 21 I moved to Zurich to learn a new language and two years later I moved to Byron Bay on a student visa for 6 months. I got together with Toby ,my current partner, and I ended up staying two years instead. It was a fun turnover and hard at times. I think my family, especially my mum, wasn't very happy about it. So we decided to move to Europe!
First stop London. It was then at the age of 26 when I started prioritising my acting career. In London I booked some of my biggest roles and commercials while on the side I was working at Harrods as a "beauty consultant"...it pays the bills. London is charming and royal and I miss those buildings! The lifestyle didn't suit both of us so a year later we moved again.
Second stop South West coast of France. We bought a VOLKSWAGEN van and lived in it for five months. What an experience! At this time I was working as an actress around Europe. So from the van to airplane to on set, nomad to actress!
Finally at 28 we moved back to Sydney but with the hope to eventually go back to Europe. At the moment I work part time with children and the rest of my time I dedicate to acting, dancing, painting...anything that keeps my heart singing.
How are you keeping yourself busy, occupied?
I have been loving ISO time. Mostly I have spent time working on my acting career. Whether it is updating my website, filming new scenes, voice lessons or watching some interviews. There is always something to do or to learn as an actor. It never ends.
I have also been creating my own digital content and learning new skills like illustrator, photoshop and word press.
What are you reading right now?
I read magazines, does that count? I am not a big reader, I wish I was but at the moment I am reading a play by Anton Chekov, THE CHERRY ORCHARD.
What are you watching?
At the moment with all this time I wanted to take the opportunity to learn new skills so I joined SKILLSHARE. I have been learning about digital design. Although I do like to indulge into your typical online series and good old french cinema.
What have you been cooking?
This is probably one of the things that I am enjoying the most during these times, homemade cooking! I'm a huge fan of soups and I'm in love with Green Pea and Almond soup with Tofu. It's the best! So easy to make and so warming. Perfect for these winter days.
What’s your next project?
I just booked a lead role on a short film called DEEP POCKETS, EMPTY HEARTS by Alessia Francischiello.
How do you think this period change our lives in the future?
Definitely positively. I can see how people have lost loved ones and that is hard but on the big spectrum I believe it's a positive change for humanity. Most people I have spoken to they have said they have enjoyed it. It's been a time to stop, listen and rethink.
ISO has brought everyone together more than ever. Human relations and the simple things have been underestimate for a very long time. People have finally come to the realisation of how important simple things are like having a drink with your friends, going for a walk in nature or visiting your family...It's been a time to realise that we don't need much apart from food and people to enjoy it with.
Follow Raquel at
https://www.instagram.com/_raquelesteban/
