From Stage To Screen: A Conversation With Versatile Actress Anna Silverman

Anna Silverman is a Russian born theatre and film actress based in London, who is known for her strong, emotional portrayals of often tragic heroines. She’s played the lead role in the Chekhov plays ‘Three Sisters’ and ‘Uncle Vanya’ on stage, as well as the much-loved Anna Karenina. Anna performs in both English and Russian, and is now moving into the film industry. Here she talks about learning from her grandfather, being part of a team and exploring new genres.

In our interview, Anna tells The Fan Carpet her beginnings as an Actress, her insirations and taking on the role of the iconic Anna Karenina…

Anna, can you tell us about your beginnings as an actress?
My love for acting began at a very young age. As a child, I was always drawn to storytelling and make-believe. I vividly remember putting on impromptu performances for my family and friends and reenacting scenes from my favourite movies and TV shows. It was in those moments that I realised how much joy and fulfilment I found in bringing characters to life and connecting with an audience.

Who inspired you to become an actor and why?
I was introduced to the stage from an early age by my grandfather, a famous theatre actor back in Moscow, who used the Stanislavski method. It sparked an interest in performing, so I spent my childhood growing up in the theatre, starring in productions and dreaming of leading roles in plays and movies.

You’ve acted in a lot of theatre projects, including several lead roles? 
I had the pleasure to be part of incredible performances in leading roles, including the Anton Chekhov masterpieces ‘Three Sisters’ and ‘Uncle Vanya’. I aimed to fully inhabit the mannerisms and realities of every character.

What has been your favourite acting project to date?
Playing the lead role in ‘Anna Karenina’ was a dream come true for me. Anna is a complex and fascinating character with a rich emotional journey. As the enigmatic Anna, I had to delve deep into her psyche to understand her motivations, desires and struggles. She is a woman torn between societal expectations and her own yearnings for love and fulfilment. Her forbidden romance with Count Vronsky adds layers of passion and intensity to the character.

What was the most challenging part of playing Anna Karenina?
Conveying the depth of her emotions and the internal conflicts she faced. I had to embody her emotional highs and lows, from the initial excitement of falling in love to the torment of her isolation and eventual tragic fate. The role demanded a lot from me as an actress, both physically and emotionally. I worked closely with the director and the rest of the cast to bring Anna’s story to life authentically. The audience’s response to the production was overwhelming, and I felt truly humbled by the impact the performance had on people.

How is it different working on film projects?
I have had a great experience working on short films, which has been an incredible journey for me as an actress. These projects may be shorter in length, but they offer unique opportunities for storytelling and creative expression. One of the short films I had the privilege to be a part of was about an emotional break-up, betraying the feelings and trust between people. One of the things I appreciate most about working on short films is the close-knit nature of the production. The teams tend to be smaller, everyone involved is genuinely passionate about the project, and this fosters a strong sense of camaraderie.

What are your plans for the future?
I still have many dreams and aspirations! One of my biggest goals is to take on a challenging lead role in a feature film that allows me to delve into a multifaceted character. I’m also eager to explore different genres, from drama to comedy, and even action roles. I’ve always been passionate about social issues, and I’d love to use my platform as an actress to be part of projects that shed light on important topics and make a positive impact on society.

© Photos courtesy of Allan Jenkins Photography and Ben MD Photography