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Newsletter 13 (1999)

This interview is property of the DXF (German Xena Fan Club). Copying this in any way without written permission is prohibited. All rights are (c) by the DXF 1999.

Exclusive Interview with Claire Stansfield (Alti)

Many fans think that your portrayal of Alti, the evil shamaness, is one of the highlights of the show! When you got the part of Alti, did you know how popular Xena: Warrior princess was? Had you ever seen the show on television before? And how did you get the part of Alti?

My boyfriend was a closet Xena watcher I would catch him late at night watching this crazy show.. He loves it He told me I had to do the part or he would hurt me... I auditioned for the part of Morganni on Hercules the little Irish woman but they offered me the part of the evil old hag instead.... Thanks for the compliment by the way..

How did you get started as an actress? Could you tell us which TV Shows and movies you appeared in? What is the achievement you Are proudest of careerwise? What can fans expect from future Stansfield projects?

I was having a not so great modeling career. It seemed like the natural leap. I started taking acting classes thinking that was the thing to do and then I feel in love with the whole thing. I loved working in class doing all those great plays and reading all those fantastic playwrights. I have been in some movies and a lot of TV you can see my resume in total at www.clairestansfield.com it's easier for me cause my typing is slow here... In future you can see me branching out. I have been making little films writing and directing as well as acting I hope to continue to be in your face until you beg me to "Hau Ab" my spelling in german is bad but I understand alles so... pass auf!!!

What did you like most about filming "Adventures in the Sin Trade" and "Between the Lines"? X:WP is a physically very demanding Show. Were you prepared for this, when you got the role? Did you Receive any special training for this role?

I had no idea that I would actually be flying around!! I loved it. I didn't want to stop. The harness was alittle uncomfortable but I really liked seeing the birdseye view of that beautiful country. (New Zealand) They train you on the set just before you film the scene.. So you are very nervous cause you really don't know what you are doing.. The good stuff is mostly done by the stunt girls who are amazing..

What drives Alti? Is she "evil incarnate"? How do you see Alti's Character? Is there room for development? And, having seen Alti die two times already, can fans expect her to return in the future?

Alti loves power and she really enjoys being evil she wants it all and will stop at nothing..She just won't die..In the future she will lose ten pounds and make lots of money..heehee

How appealing is it to play a villain? If given the choice, would you rather play the villain or the hero?

Well, the heroes get the guy (or girl depending) so I guess I'd rather be good but being bad is way more fun.

How much influence do you as an actress have on the way a Scene plays out?

A lot remember I am 6feet 2inches tall (185 m) so I just stand close to the little director and tell him what I need... It usually works although Ric Jacobson the director on "Between the Lines" was super tall and cute so it was harder.

Can you tell us something about the feedback from fans? Were You aware of the Xena-fandom? What is it like for you to go to Conventions? And what are, in your opinions, the reasons for X:WP's great popularity and success?

I love the Xena fans!! They have been so great to me. I think the reason I came back was because of them! So thank you thank you.. I had no idea how immense this whole thing was. I really like doing the conventions I get to meet the fans and they always welcome me and laugh at my bad jokes.. The show is huge worldwide cause it rocks!! Girl power ..

Everyone seems to agree that Xena's and Gabrielle's relationship is one of the great friendships / love stories in television history. Yet, when it comes to the "subtext", people tend to disagree with each other. What do you think of the so-called "subtext" of the show?

I can only speak for myself. Alti will do anything to get what she wants.

Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor seem to be very good friends in real life. How do you get along with the two of them? Can you tell us something about the atmosphere on the set?

I have become good friends with Lucy because she comes to America and we play golf together. Renee is also an amazing woman. I miss them already. They are great friends.

We have heard that you have relatives in Germany and, also, that you speak German. Have you ever been to Germany? And could you imagine attending a German Xena convention in the (near) future?

I spent every summer with my Omi outside of Koln. Refrath Bensberg. My company Kai Productions is named after her. She passed away 7 years ago so I haven't been there since. But I think I am ready and I also need to practice my German.. Lucy and I and my makeup lady on Xena (her name is Hal) we all speak german on the set.. It's great cause nobody knows what we are saying. I would love to do a convention.. In Deutschland!

Vielen Dank
Love,
Claire