Oh, we are VERY excited for the launch of One Night exclusively on Paramount+.
Kicking off from Friday, One Night is an original six-part drama about three women whose bond was all but destroyed by the traumatic events of one night 20-years-ago.
Nicole da Silva, along with Jodie Whittaker and Yael Stone, leads an all-star cast, including Kat Stewart, Noni Hazlehurst and Tina Bursill.
We were lucky enough to chat to Nicole ahead of the show’s premiere!
We’ve seen the trailer for One Night, and we are completely captivated! Can you tell us about the story and what drew you to the role?
One Night is about three friends who finally come together after my character Simone writes a book about a tragedy that happened to them when they were teenagers. It questions whose story is someone’s to tell, and how we each interpret justice and truth.
Emily Ballou’s writing is incredibly complex and layered. She weaves a raw and poetic look at not only friendship, but as someone says in the series – ‘the dangers of living in a female body’.
I love what a catalyst Simone is to the story, she completely changes the trajectory of these three women. She’s messy, unfiltered, and in her rawness, demands that from everyone around her. She’s imperfect, and I’m always drawn to that in my roles. I’m interested in the contradictions that can exist within people and their relationships. And this series has an abundance of both.
You started a production company, Four One One, with your Wentworth co-star, Danielle Cormack. What do you look for in potential projects?
Our company mandate is to create more roles for women on and off screen and to tell diverse and inclusive stories with teams that reflect that, so that is what we look for. Our inaugural production was Who’s Afraid at Belvoir St Theatre which was about two gay couples who decide to have a baby together – a modern riff on Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf – and it’s now being developed into a feature film. We also just wrapped up a short film called Why We Fight about a Cuban boy who loses his boxer father.
Given your role behind the scenes in your production company, as well as your roles in film, television and the theatre, what do you prefer?
After having produced Why We Fight on a very small budget with a tiny crew where Danielle and I were required to wear several hats – I’d have to say acting! Although I thrived in the pressure of producing under those circumstances, until we are at a point where we can have a full team and solely focus on the creative side of it all – I’d rather put my acting hat on and relish in the singularity of that.
You’ve had a hugely successful career so far, working on some of the biggest shows on Australian TV. What project stands out to you the most?
Each show I’ve done I’ve always come away with something from it – whether it be something I’ve learnt in my craft, friendships, recognition or whatever else. Wentworth is obviously a standout because it changed the trajectory of my career in many ways. Dangerous put me on the map to start with. All Saints and Rush helped me cut my teeth, and Rush instilled in me the need for truth in every role. I came away with lifelong friendships after Doctor Doctor, Carmen was a bucket list tick, and One Night is so dear to my heart, and was such a special experience to shoot. There was an electricity on that set, and it shows in the final product.
You’re set to star in ‘The Memory of Water’ at the Ensemble Theatre later in the year. Can you tell us about that story?
The Memory of Water is about three sisters navigating the pain and comedy of their collective childhood. It explores family mythology – the stories we tell ourselves and how far they can sometimes stray from reality.
Australia has some incredible acting talent, and a lot of competition. What do you think aspiring actors need the most to break into the industry these days?
Resilience, tenacity and belief. Belief that acting is the only path for you and that you will pursue it regardless of the challenges.
Side note: to this day, Rush remains one of my all-time favourite Australian dramas. Time for a re-boot??
Yay! I love hearing from Rush fans. It’s such a big part of my trajectory. We shot 70 episodes over four seasons, which was a huge feat being such a physically demanding show, but I loved playing Stella, although if there was a reboot, I’d have to seriously up my fitness game!
