Talent beyond borders, Zena Wood reaches for the stars

Multi-talented performer Zena Wood is making her mark. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)

Multi-talented performer Zena Wood is making her mark. Picture: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)

Published Dec 12, 2021

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From Kuils River to New York, producer and performer Zena Wood is reaching for the stars.

Currently in Cape Town, Wood said she was thrilled to be back in the city in summer.

This past week, Wood showcased a Christmas production, Space Weather Girl's Christmas Spectacular, at The Drama Factory in Strand.

Wood directed and performed in the show, which is part of a series of productions she began in 2018.

“They were mostly music videos where the character, a space weather girl, talks about space weather (that is a real thing) and current space news. For example, what is happening at Nasa and SpaceX these days,” she said.

She added: “This is the first live show. The audience can enjoy their favourite Christmas songs while enjoying a narrative about space.”

Wood said her inspiration for Space Weather Girl came from her love for nature.

“I also want to create uplifting and informative content, and I find that space exploration has a lot of room for that.”

She added: “What better time to celebrate all the beauty we have around us than at Christmas time.”

While many search endlessly for peace and contentment, the local performer said she needs to look no further than the stars.

“I’ve always felt at peace looking up at the stars. I’ve always enjoyed narratives that explore other ways of living in the future.”

The talented creative wears many hats, including producing, writing, acting, being a production co-ordinator and assistant director.

In 2012, Wood graduated from the Waterfront Theatre School after a 4-year course in musical theatre. Thereafter, she complete her advanced levels in dance at Trinity College in London. She then moved on to complete her BA film degree at New York Film Academy in 2015.

Some of the most acclaimed titles Wood has worked on include the movies Blacklight, I Heart Jenny and Life After Her, which all screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017.

A more recent project of hers, an original documentary, Will There Be Dancing, won Best Short at Cannes in 2020.

Wood said it was incredibly exciting and she was so happy when she heard that the movie had won.

“We had a wonderful time making it and it felt like a special piece. I think that there is some very interesting information in it.”

Her past credentials include films run on prestigious services such as the BBC, Netflix, Conde Nast Traveler and Warner Bros. Pictures. Wood said her journey in the industry has been fun, inspiring and tough.

“I’ve always loved getting people together, sharing a common creative goal. And I’ve been doing this in different versions and genres for a while.”

In future, she hoped to work in roles that will keep her busy for longer.

“I’ve freelanced a lot and now I am looking forward to joining a team with a long-term goal in mind.”

Wood said she tried her best to remain motivated and driven, but it was not always easy.

“It’s always good to take time to relax. I love doing yoga and dancing, and having days where nothing is planned.”

Her advice to aspiring creatives in the film industry is to work on building a network and support system.

“Build a career, but also build a base for yourself somewhere.”

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