Zahra Bentham Interview by Carol Wright Photos by Elle Edwards
Was there a certain TV show or movie that got you interested in acting? Yes! The one movie that really inspired me was Colombiana with Zoe Saldana. Man, that movie inspired the woman badass, special agent, undercover spy type movies that I love and one day would be so thrilled to play. I’ve yet to play a darker character so it would be a real treat. What did you learn during your time at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts that you apply to your career today? Wexford CSA helped ground me and created a secure foundation on my work ethic and views on life. I’ve learned many lessons that I’ve carried with me but one I stand by so strongly when it comes to acting and/or being in the professional world is: “It’s never about you. Get your job done because you’re only a piece of the puzzle to the masterpiece.” Another great one was, “It’s all about the team.” So often Anna Marriam — the Artistic Director of the Performing Arts program at Wexford CSA - would tell us this, to the point where we would finish the slogan. But looking back, how much that got instilled into my brain has created this discipline and looking outside of myself for the great purpose and reason I do what I do. Thank God for Wexford and my amazing teachers. What initially got you interested in the show ‘Spinning Out’? When I first got the audition I was so excited because I thought I’d be getting back on the ice, but sadly 65
that was not the case. Hahaha! But understanding what the actual story was about made it that much more significant to be a part of it. ‘Spinning Out’ follows the subjects of depression and mental illness but told honestly and compassionately. Specifically, we highlight Bipolar disorder and the struggles of dealing with that and the everyday lives we choose. Mental health has been such an important topic and it is becoming more normal to discuss these issues within our households and amongst our friends. I mean, the fact that Netflix gave us a platform to talk about this is huge. That in itself shows the progression and how far we can take the information we are learning to heal and get the proper tools we need for ourselves. All in all, it has major drama and cattiness that makes any binge-watchable show entertaining. Hopefully, we get a second season and somehow I can be on the ice. I’d be the happiest person. Your character Alana is very determined and hardworking. Do you see aspects of yourself in her? Oh yes! I love Alana. I found myself consistently drawing comparisons to homegirl. She takes no sh*t, speaks her mind, but loves hard. It never really clicked for me until filming my second episode who she really, really was. Her hard-working attitude towards life really anchors who she is…because well, that’s all she had to be. Growing up with her mom in a single-parent household obviously has its challenges and struggles but she is super determined to get good grades and of course win Marcus’ heart, all while keeping true to herself. I think anyone who’s watched can pull realistic qualities from Alana and see themselves in her.
