IN CONVERSATION WITH ALIYAH MASTIN
interview by JANA LETONJA
Actress Aliyah Mastin stars in Hulu’s gripping political thriller ‘Paradise’, which was just renewed for a second season. Her preious credits include ‘Honey Girls’, portraying Young Nala in ‘The Lion King’ on Broadway, and most recently Netflix’s ‘Stamped From The Beginning’.
You’ve had an incredible journey from Broadway to Hollywood. What inspired you to pursue acting at such a young age?
It's just something I’ve always known. I was never interested in anything else. My mother intentionally surrounded me with musical films like ‘Annie’, ‘The Wiz’, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, ‘Grease’, and ‘Hairspray’. I distinctly remember watching a lot of Michael Jackson performances and music videos as a child, which I’m sure had a lot to do with my father. I mimicked what I saw, imitating it in my living room, and performed for anyone who would watch. Long story short, I guess you could say it just rubbed off on me.
You’ve played such diverse roles, from Young Nala in ‘The Lion King’ to Phyllis Wheatley in ‘Stamped From the Beginning’. How do you approach bringing historical and fictional characters to life?
I try to approach it as if it were schoolwork. I get to know the material, take notes, study them, and review my homework (rehearse) until the day of the test (filming).
Were there any actors or mentors who helped shape your craft along the way?
I am lucky to say that with pretty much every project I join, I meet people who significantly impact my life. I often feel like I owe it to those individuals to keep my head on straight and carry myself in a way that would make them proud.
I give a lot of credit to my former dance teacher and the entire company of ‘The Lion King’ on Broadway, not only for molding me into a performer, but also for nurturing me and teaching me how to show up in this industry and in the world.
What has been the most challenging role you’ve taken on so far, and why?
Definitely Young Nala. I was eleven and felt like I could do anything at that age, so it didn’t feel challenging at the time. But as I get older, I realize just how physically demanding it was. I was singing and dancing in tight corsets, belting on top of seven-foot moving puppets, maneuvering my own puppet, and utilizing my body in a way far from its natural state every other night. It was the perfect seed to plant at the start of my career. I’m hungry to take on something as demanding as that again.
‘Paradise’ has been renewed for a second season. How does it feel to be part of a show with such an intense and gripping storyline?
It’s been nothing short of amazing. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a project that is so well thought out and meticulously crafted. We really have geniuses working on the show, and it's done with so much care and intelligence. It makes it even more special to see people recognizing and appreciating it.
The series is full of twists and suspense. Were there any shocking moments in the script that caught you by surprise?
I was surprised to see that Trent had attempted to take out Cal before. Somehow, I missed that. It was also a treat to see how Episode 7 played out. I was eager to read that episode, so seeing it on screen was really exciting. That episode is a masterclass. I regularly watch it to study.
‘Paradise’ explores themes of survival, power, and deception. How do you think Presley fits into that world?
I think it’ll be interesting to see how Presley perceives the environment she lives in now or perhaps how she rebels against it, knowing she's been lied to in more ways than one. Deception is something I worry a lot about now for Presley and James because they are being supervised by people they hardly even know. They only have each other now, but Presley is a smart girl, so I’m not too anxious.
What can you tease about Presley’s journey in Season 2?
All I can say is if you thought Season 1 was intense, just wait.
You’ve already accomplished so much at a young age. What’s next for you?
I’m super stoked to film Season 2 of ‘Paradise’. We have a really fun cast, so I’m looking forward to reuniting with everyone. I also hope to release original music sometime this year.
Lastly, how do you unwind when you’re not acting? Any fun hobbies or passions outside of performing?
In my free time, you'll likely find me songwriting, reading, looking for new music to obsess over, updating my Pinterest board, getting yet another hole in my ear, taking dance classes, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography TJ BAKER
makeup DANIELLE MITCHELL
hair KARRIS REEVES-ROBINSON
