#abc spark

You star as Petra Bellweather in Motherland: Fort Salem, now airing its final season. What can you share about Petra’s story as the season progresses?

At the end of last season, we see Petra experience a really bad first few days on the job. Things seem like they have hit rock bottom for her and could not possibly get any worse. And then they do. And do. And do some more.

Petra is being tested on every front this season, as a mother, as a leader, as a political force, and as an individual. She moves from moment to moment and episode to episode simply trying to make the “next right decision” all while trying to sort out which of the many competing interests and responsibilities needs to be prioritized in that moment. I remember approaching each new script with a sense of tense anticipation about what Petra would be put through next. It was a wild ride for me as an actor and I hope an exciting one for the audience.

Tell me about working opposite Ashley Nicole Williams as your on-screen daughter, Abigail. Have you enjoyed the changing dynamics of their relationship?

I remember the first day I met Ashley! I was walking through the production office, excited and a bit nervous about what lay ahead and I saw this tall, beautiful young woman sitting at a conference table. As I approached, unsure of where I was going, she looked up from what she was reading, fixed her gaze on me, broke into a big grin and exclaimed “You must be my Mom! Hi! I’m Ashley!”

I smiled back and that was it. We were bonded. It has been a delight to watch her mature and grow both as a woman and as an actor. I think our dynamic on screen is based on the affection and respect we have for each other off-screen and I am grateful that our relationship was written with challenges but always love and connection. I have also enjoyed seeing how close Ashley and the other young women on the show have become. In a business that often encourages unhealthy competition between actors, it has been a joy to see (and experience) the bonds and friendships that have been formed on this show. I look forward to keeping in touch with Ashley and she knows she always has an extra back-up mom whenever she needs me.

What has this character taught you about yourself, as both an artist and human?

Petra taught me a lot about strategy, clarity, power and patience. But even more than those elements, I think the most important quality of Petra’s is that is an example of what I believe Dr. Maya Angelou was speaking to with her quote “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Often characters with power, especially women with power, aren’t given the grace to evolve and change with understanding or new information. They remain locked in the beliefs that they perceive to be directly linked to their strength and success. That Petra evolved over the 3 seasons and was not diminished in that evolution (as so often happens in film & TV), but had her new knowledge enhance the work she had done prior making her even more effective is, I think, a very meaningful example both for us to share with the audience but also for me personally.

The series has been ground-breaking in how it empowers female voices and their strength, while building an inclusive world. You’ve discussed how the power of Black women is celebrated in the show. What legacy do you hope it leaves in film and TV?

I think that the main legacy of the representation of Black women’s strength, leadership, intellect and power in Motherland: Fort Salem will be questions like this, in forums like this, which draw the lens of reflection and amplification to the contributions Black women make and have ALWAYS made to society, and in specific, American and Canadian society.

Black women have long been woven into the fabric of the work and fights for social justice. Now, increasingly, we are being seen and recognized for our contributions to and excellence in many other arenas and Motherland: Fort Salem assists in normalizing these contributions as the become acknowledged, appreciated and expected.

What message do you have for the passionate fans who have championed these characters over the past few years?

Thank you!

Thank you for recognizing and appreciating the intricacy of the storytelling, and the diversity of the characters. I think the allegorical nature of Motherland: Fort Salem and how it interpreted through this fictional lens so many of the challenges facing the world right now, combined with the representation of so many layered and interesting individuals navigating this world generated the following that has been so embracing of us and our work.

Seeing how many people personally identified with different characters was another lesson in how much representation matters when it comes to who we see on our screens.

I truly believe that it was because the fans returned so much love and enthusiasm to us that allowed for us to be given the gift of bringing the series to a meaningful conclusion. And so I thank the fans for that opportunity too.

You’ve also appeared as a guest on a number of fan-based podcasts to discuss the show and your story. How special has it been to discuss theories, and speak to others who have supported the show since the beginning (and maybe know the characters better than the cast themselves)?

Unlike theatre, where you receive immediate feedback from and have interaction with your audience, film and television production takes place far away in both location and time from where and when the audience watches. As such, the opportunities to interact with the people who are watching is much more limited.

Social media – in particular Twitter and Instagram – have been wonderful ways to connect with the folks who are as captivated by and invested in the world of Motherland: Fort Salem as those of us bringing that world to life. Seeing their theories, fan art, appreciation posts, edited montages... all of it has been super fun and is received gratefully and humbly. And to get to meet and interact with so many of them through social media, their podcasts and Discord groups has been awesome. On top of all of that, the campaign that the fans launched to save the show was incredible. To know people are willing to go to that level of expense and effort in support of your work is truly a wonderful feeling.

Do you have a favourite behind the scenes memory from the set of Motherland?

One of my favourite elements of the promotion of each new season has been the release of our “blooper reels”. It is fun to be reminded with the footage of how much laughter we shared and how much we all enjoyed working with each other. So I would say my favourite memories are also connected to what I will miss most now that we are done, laughing with my friends and enjoying each other’s company.

Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us?

I just finished working on an independent feature film and while the details are still being kept quite under wraps, it was an extremely fun experience and I look forward to when I can share more information about it.

That said, I can say that it was both a very different world from Motherland: Fort Salem and a very different character from Petra so it was nice to move from being sad about the end of Motherland into creating a new story with another wonderful group of people.

You also have a passion for educating and community building through the arts. Tell me about Biz Books and The Drama Class, and the importance of these platforms to you and your work.

We started Biz Books in 1996 as a brick and mortar bookstore in Vancouver’s Gastown district. We moved to our second location in 2001 and we operated in that neighbourhood until 2010 when we transitioned the storefront to BizBooks.net and our current “Online and On Location” format where we now serve customers all over the world and create pop-up shops at local industry and educational events.

In 2020 when acting classes migrated to the internet due to the pandemic, we discovered that there was much to be explored in the online training space. In September 2020 we acquired TheDramaClass.com where we now develop classes, workshops and coaching plans to assist actors, writers, directors and teachers to develop skills and knowledge to help them achieve their creative professional goals.

If you had to pick one, what is your personal favourite book for actors looking for inspiration and to bring their career to a new level?

It may surprise you but the book that I think is essential for actors and other independent creative freelancers to read to level up their careers is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. A dear friend gave it to me as a Christmas gift and it has proven to be a game changer for me.

As I work to be more intentional with the habits, patterns and systems I am creating, I also become more aware or the progress I am making daily which is so vital to recognize, especially with the ebb and flow of gigs. Focusing on maintaining the habits and behaviours of the person I am working to become, and narrowing the focus to being 1% better everyday, makes it possible to keep going when times are tough and to get back into a routine after the whirlwind of things going well.

In a business that can sometimes feel like everyone else holds the power, it is nice to have a guide to establishing and maintaining personal agency and accountability for the results we are seeking.

You’ve been a mainstay in Hollywood North for the past 30 years now, and have amassed a rich resumé of projects in British Columbia (in addition to many talented friends). What does it mean to be a part of the BC film industry, and noticing its growth and changes over the years, notably in female-led projects?

I have been proud to be a part of the BC film industry and to know that I have contributed to the efforts of so many in growing the business here. The community of artists and technicians based here are world class and second to none. Helping to promote them and their achievements through my union, board and committee work makes the heights that we have attained together so very satisfying. And to have the ability to stay here, close to friends and family, while still pursuing my artistic and career goals as an actor, makes me feel truly blessed indeed.

The advancement of women in both profile and leadership has been undeniable. When I started, female producers were few and female directors were rarer still. Seeing the expansion in the diversity (race, gender, orientation and more) of creative leaders, benefits us all as we tell stories from the context of our experiences and amplify what we see through that lens. The more variety we have in the visions being shared, the more enriched, inspired and empathetic we become. All while still being excited and entertained!

What are some of your favourite places to visit and/or eat at in Vancouver?

I am a HUGE sushi fan so I have a mental list of faves arranged by neighbourhood and price point! Shiro Sushi, Tojos, Minami, Manna Sushi, Yanaki Sushi are on my Vancouver list and I also really like Taka’s Sushi in White Rock and Sushi Mori in South Surrey.

Other favourite spots in Vancouver are Burgoo, Les Faux Bourgeois, and The Patty Shop. And closer to my home in White Rock, Kiki’s Greek Restaurant, Three Dogs Brewing, Pho 777 Vietnamese and the Wooden Spoon are my local haunts.

Our signature question – if you could be any ice cream flavour, which would you be and why?

I think I would be Butter Pecan. A unique flavour that is not too overwhelming and that is smooth most of the time but also little nutty. Kind of sums me up, I think.

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We appreciate Catherine taking the time to answer our questions! Motherland: Fort Salem has had a remarkable run and its impact will not soon be forgotten. To keep updated with Catherine’s projects and activities, visit her website, Facebook, and follow her on Instagram.