Canadian-born, Eritrean singer, actor, and dancer Martha Berhane is a talented and passionate performer. Her love of the Performing Arts radiates through her and can even be heard in the tone of her voice. Challenging the perspective of what and how Musical Theatre should look like, Martha firmly believes in equal opportunity and providing a realistic representation of the people that live not only in this country, but all around the world. Highlighting the importance of protecting your energy and prioritising all facets of your health - particularly mental health, she chooses to surround herself with those that motivate, inspire, and support her. Through this support she has been able to recognise what she needs to propel herself forward and move in the right direction, well on the way to fulfilling her goals and aspirations. Reminding us all to stay true to ourselves and treat others kindly, we sat down with Martha and discussed how it felt to be the inaugural winner of the Artists of Colour (AOC) Initiative, how she hopes to see the performing arts industry change and evolve, and how performing motivates and inspires her daily. See below to read more about this kind-hearted talent and her photoshoot with Energetiks.

Energetiks: Firstly, congratulations on being the winner of the 2020 AOC Initiative! What was that moment like when you first found out you had won?

Martha Berhane: I honestly couldn’t believe it. The nature in which it happened, I didn’t expect it at all. Tarik (Frimpong) called and said he wanted to check in on me and that he had a few questions, and I didn’t really think much of it. On the call he then said ‘Thank you so much for participating’ and I was like ‘Sure, it’s been a great experience. I’ve had a lot of fun’ and then he was casually like ‘I also want to say congratulations on being the winner’ and I froze. I was in shock. I was like ‘Are you sure? Are you being serious?’ I really couldn’t believe it. I had a little emotional moment where I cried because I was in such a state of disbelief. I was honestly so happy and so grateful and really thankful that I just got to be part of the experience, let alone win something so monumental. To be the face of something so big that Tarik has created is both an honour and a privilege, and having the support of such a big community behind me also got me really emotional. The day it was posted and everyone was saying such kind and supportive words to me just meant a lot. All I could express was complete and utter gratitude. And I still don’t know how to say thank you. It was kind of the push that I needed to believe in myself a little more and keep working hard. I really am just so grateful.

E: And how did you find the whole AOC Initiative process?

MB: It was great. We would submit each round based on what was asked and it was usually a song, a dance and a monologue as well. The final round was when we had song choices that were sung, written or performed by POC which I loved. But overall the submission process was a little hard at times. It was difficult at times doing it at home and finding the inspiration and motivation. I also found myself with a lot of self doubt and trying to ignore the thoughts of ‘This isn’t good enough’ or ‘I don’t want to submit this anymore’. It’s funny because I almost didn’t apply because of my anxiety around thinking ‘I’m not ready’ or ‘I’m not good enough’. That almost stopped me. But I’m really grateful that I had people around me who encouraged and supported me to do this.

Overall though the submission process was a lot of fun. It was challenging but also really insightful too. I got a lot of inspiration from others - their work and their talent, and I learnt a lot about my habits and myself as a creative too. Being new to the Musical Theatre industry, I learnt a lot. I learnt about different songs, different plays, and how to actually perform. The workshops were really handy for that. It was a really fun experience and now looking back on it I wish I didn’t stress about it so much!

E: Going back a little, tell us how your journey with the Performing Arts started.

MB: Well, no one in my family really has anything to do with the Arts. My older sister is into music but she kind of came into that later in life. I kind of got into Performing Arts through doing musicals at school. I grew up watching dance movies and I loved them. I really wanted to be a hip hop dancer! But I seriously got into the singing and acting side when I started doing musicals in High School. I loved the whole process of it. Learning from the Director, the costumes, the people, and the community and friendships you make. Putting on a show, even if it was just for four nights, and being able to entertain and inspire people was such a great experience. I loved being part of the reason people got to escape their regular lives for a night and enjoyed watching them be entertained by something we were sharing with them. Eventually I started dance training in year 11 at the Melbourne Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) after seeing how talented and technically strong the dancers were in the musicals. I was inspired by their strength and flexibility and wanted to be like that too. It wasn’t until I started training that I was like ‘Oh, I need a lot of training’. That was when I also realised that my dream of becoming a hip hop dancer meant I still needed a lot of training! So I really started to focus and work hard on my dance technique.

E: When did you realise that this was more than a hobby and something you wanted to pursue?

MB: Performing Arts is healing to me and has helped me in a lot of different ways, particularly with my mental health. When I got my first professional job and saw you could make a career out of this (plus also show my family that you could support yourself in this career), it drove my passion even further. From then on I haven’t looked back. I knew that this is what I wanted to do and have put all my effort and work into making this dream become a reality.

E: You made your TV debut on the ABC Miniseries ‘Mustangs FC’ in 2017. How was it being part of the show?

MB: Amazing! I was in year 10 at school and it was my first experience acting and working on TV. It was from that moment that I knew I also wanted to be an Actor too. The whole process of stepping into different characters and being able to play someone different was something I really wanted to do. Plus I loved meeting all the different people and mentors.

At first I found the job a little challenging because there were a few small things I didn’t know such as camera etiquette or what the requirements were of being on a proper job. But it was still such a good experience and something I’m so grateful for. It taught me so much both skill wise and career wise, and really deepened my passion for performing. I mean it was hard waking up at 4am to get to the shoot and coming home late, while also trying to do my school work and study at the same time, but it really taught me about time management and the importance of rest. At times it got exhausting and it really emphasised to me how important it is to take the time to slow down and recharge. By caring for yourself both mentally and physically you are ensuring you are in the best state to do your work. This experience really taught me that. It also got me the exposure I needed for some other professional work too. I got a few TV commercials after being on the show and also did a short film. It really was a memorable experience.

E: What are some other highlights you’ve had as a performer to date?

MB: The short film was definitely a highlight. It was a very different style of acting compared to Mustangs FC which was more of a children’s comedy. It was more drama and a bit of action which challenged me but was really interesting. I’ve also done some music videos which were amazing. Each job I’ve had has been so different and has allowed me to dabble in different aspects of the Performing Arts. They’ve all taught me skills and lessons I can not only use throughout my career but also in my life.

E: Last year there was more awareness and education around the inequality that is still apparent in society surrounding BIPOC with the Black Lives Matter movement. In regards to the performing arts industry, where would you like to see change occur?

MB: I think for me I’d love to see Australian Musicals give everyone the opportunity to be involved. The majority of theatre is fictional, so there’s not really any concrete rules as to what race a character has to be - unless you are depicting a certain period or moment in history. Therefore, who’s to say that in Frozen, Elsa can’t be played by a POC? It’s about trying to break down that stigma and stereotype because at the end of the day the people that are going into this industry are a lot more diverse than what one may initially perceive. Also, you want to ensure that those who are actually going to the theatre are having a relatable and enjoyable experience, and are also inspired by the work too. We perform to inspire people and create an enjoyable experience that creates lifelong memories.

I’d also love to see more BIPOC people in the crew and working behind the scenes so they can share their experiences and perspectives. When you bring in people from different backgrounds and cultures and involve them in the making of a production, you then have a range of people sharing different perspectives and experiences. This allows for a realistic representation of the people that actually go to the theatre and allows for the creation of beautiful work.

It’s also really important to make the Performing Arts more accessible to the BIPOC community. Whether that be extending deadlines, or reaching out to certain communities, it’s about making sure that when something is being promoted, it’s actually inviting everyone and making sure everyone has the same opportunity. We are all here and we are all working hard. There are so many talented BIPOC people and we need to ensure what’s being put out is accessible to all. At the end of the day it’s a more realistic representation of the people that live in this world, this multicultural country, the people in this industry and the people who are watching. You never know who comes to watch a show and says ‘I want to do that too’ and if you saw people who looked like you up there, it would make a huge difference.

E: During some of the more difficult or tiring moments that one may experience as a performer, or even just day to day, what do you find keeps you motivated?

MB: It can be difficult at times, particularly when you have your own insecurities and anxiety about ‘Am I going to make it?'. I think that’s why it’s really important to surround yourself with good people. People who believe in you and believe in your work. Those who are knowledgable about the industry who you can learn from. And make sure you mix things up. Try to attend a variety of classes and styles because there’s so many different things to learn. I get inspired by dabbling in varying styles of music, acting and dance. That’s how I feel refreshed and often where I learn the most. Art is a personal thing for a lot of people and you need to make sure you’re enjoying it and you are doing it for you first. You also need to allow yourself to have those days where you feel tired, frustrated and upset. All those emotions, they’re all valid. It’s apart of our work. Letting ourselves feel those things but also moving forward. Art fluctuates just like our emotions and that is often how the most beautiful work is created, through the ups and downs of life.

But my biggest thing would definitely have to be surrounding myself with beautiful people who pick me up when I’m feeling down. A lot of my mentors helped me out when I was like ‘I’m done’ or ‘I’m quitting’. They said to me ‘You’ve got this. It’s all part of the journey. Keep pushing through. Just take some rest and then you’ll feel better about it’. I’m grateful for my mentors, my friends and family. They always believe in my work and are there to help me pick myself up. Also, protect your energy. Have self care days and give yourself time off. Dance because you want to. And don’t be afraid to reach out for support if you need it too. There’s a lot of support out there, particularly if you’re struggling with mental health. Just as much as we look after our physical health, we also need to look after our mental health. And that’s something that I’m just starting to learn and understand now. Keep doing it for yourself!

E: And in regards to inspiration, who or what do you draw inspiration from?

MB: That’s a good one! I feel like I get inspiration from everything. I’m constantly inspired by the dance community. There’s so much I want to know that I don’t know yet. I’m inspired by people like Tarik who’s continuously working on himself and is still able to be a leader and support people like me who are just starting out. My mentors, Zoee Marsh and Sarah Ambrose who’ve helped me through a lot, Zoee with life lessons and giving me opportunities to perform, and Sarah for creating a safe space with her school to share and perform. My Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) mentor Budi Miller who has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. And also, the other BIPOC artists who participated in the AOC Initiative. They are SO talented and SO inspiring and their kindness is a huge inspiration to me. Caetlyn Watson is also someone I look up to. She’s an amazing dancer and seeing how she has stuck to what she wants to do and what she believes in is very inspirational. Her movement is also unreal!

I tend to find Art itself, in all its different forms, to be my inspiration too. Whether that be dance or visual art or watching other people perform, like my fellow students at VCA. Even talking to others and listening to what they’ve done and gone through in their lives. I will say too that the first musical I watched, which was The Lion King, was a huge inspiration for me because I saw so many POC on stage and it showed me that it was really possible for those of all backgrounds to be involved in Musical Theatre.

Oh and of course, I’m constantly inspired and supported by my wonderful family!

E: What are some of your goals, dreams and aspirations for the future?

MB: I have quite a few actually. I would love to dance on a tour. Any part of my career that allows me to travel I would be truly happy with. Whether that be going on tours, performing overseas, shows on Broadway, or dancing for a touring artist - any of those would be amazing. Acting in films or series whether it be drama, action, or thrillers would also be a dream come true! I’d also love to eventually make my own fashion line one day - even though I don’t know how to sew! I love the fashion industry so being able to create my own line or styling would be cool too. But anything that requires travel, I’m there!

E: Any final words of advice that you have for aspiring performers, particularly BIPOC performers?

MB: Keep going and know that every challenge is going to teach you something. There’s absolutely no one who can tell you you can’t do it except yourself. Look out for mentors from different backgrounds and experiences and be open to learn, even if it’s outside of your comfort zone. And look after yourself. That’s really important. You can’t do anything unless your health is okay and that includes mental health as well as the physical. Take time when you need time and understand this all takes time too. It’s a long journey and an ongoing process and know that that’s okay too. Every experience - good, bad, amazing, terrible, frightening - all of those experiences and emotions are valid and are all going to teach you something. And just stay true to yourself. At the end of the day there is no one like you and what is going to guide you through this is knowing your boundaries and being true to yourself. Be kind. You learn a lot about yourself and others through kindness. Protect your energy and give yourself what you need. You got this!

Follow Martha’s Journey Here: @martha.berhane

The Artists of Colour Initiative (AOC) is a scholarship program designed to provide financial assistance and industry support to young, exceptionally talented theatre performers based in Australia that identify as Bla(c)k, Indigenous or People of Colour.

Join the conversation and stay connected with the Artists of Colour Initiative.

Website: aocinitiative.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AOCinitiative
Instagram: @aocinitiative
YouTube: youtube.com/aocinitiative

The AOC Initiative was created by People of Colour for People of Colour fighting for change in the Australian Musical Theatre Industry.

Interview by Sheree Ronai-Horvath
Photography by Elly Ford

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