Emily Robinson Interview (Tarzan the Stage Musical)
TARZAN – The Stage Musical brings Disney’s epic animated film to life on stage in a high-flying action adventure, complete with aerial choreography and unforgettable music by Phil Collins — including the Academy Award-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” “Son of Man,” “Two Worlds,” and all the hits from the iconic film that opens this week in Melbourne! We catch-up with Emily Robinson who plays the charismatic Jane Porter in this new stage production.
Welcome to Impulse Gamer Emily! As this is your principal debut, what has the experience been like stepping into a role as significant as Jane Porter?
It has been both thrilling and terrifying. Tarzan is my first production post-university, and playing Jane while working with this company has been such a privilege. I’ve learned so much just by being in the room with these people, and I am so grateful for such a supportive team. Jane herself has brought me out of my shell in ways I didn’t expect, and I find new things to love about her every rehearsal.
How do you see Jane’s character—is she primarily an intellectual, an adventurer, or something else entirely? How have you worked to bring that to life?
Jane is definitely both an intellectual and an adventurer, but meeting Tarzan awakens a loving, sensitive side in her that she’s never really experienced before; she’s been too focused on her studies. I’ve focused on portraying her curiosity and courage, in the way she seeks out knowledge, leads expeditions, and stands up for herself when needed. In the moments Jane is with Tarzan, they bring out a real softness in each other in the way they speak and act, which has been so beautiful to explore with Josh.
Can you discuss the chemistry between you and Joshua Russell as Tarzan, and how you’ve built that unique connection of a love that transcends two different worlds?
Josh has been the most incredible scene partner, the openness he has in his acting is something I really admire. The crux of Tarzan and Jane’s relationship is their physicality in place of language. There’s a real gentleness of touch, paired with lots of eye contact and a stillness that makes it seem as though the world has stopped for them. Josh and I really try to lean into a sense of play on stage, and be as responsive as possible with each other.
The show is set in a very specific time period. How have the costume and set designs helped you get into character?
As a lover of period pieces á la Little Women and Pride and Prejudice, it is a dream come true to wear these costumes and be immersed in this world! Jane’s costumes designed by Bianca Pardo are the classic Victorian woman silhouette, with some really intricate, technical elements that are utilised in Jane’s first song (I won’t give too much away!) The corset and heels are great posture correctors and give me the sort of stiffness that Jane needs through her first scenes. In contrast to this, the set by Jacob Battista is a wild, moving jungle, which serves as the most glorious backdrop for Jane’s journey into becoming a freer woman, no longer constrained by the role she ‘should’ play in society.
What’s it like performing the songs of Phil Collins from Jane’s perspective, especially “For the First Time”?
Phil Collins’ music is some of the best ever, and his pop rock style has a warmth that feels deeply vulnerable. For the First Time is a turning point for Jane, it’s when she finally gives in to her feelings for Tarzan, something she’s been afraid to do because it feels like a distraction from her work. Performing it is about capturing that choice to let love in, even when it feels like jumping off the deep end.
What was the most surprising thing you discovered about the character of Jane while preparing for this role?
I was surprised by how funny she is! Jane has a delightful awkwardness, which makes her immensely relatable. She’s not the perfect Victorian lady, she’s very human.
How does Jane’s scientific curiosity and love for discovery clash with her growing emotional connection to Tarzan?
Initially Jane knows it’s a distraction from her work, but I actually think her love of discovery and love for Tarzan go hand in hand; their emotional connection is ultimately born out of both Jane and Tarzan’s curiosity and willingness to learn.
Jane is a strong, independent woman. How do you ensure you portray her as more than just “the love interest”?
I focus on Jane’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge, her ability to speak her mind and lead. She isn’t waiting to be rescued, she takes risks and makes decisions for herself. She is changed by Tarzan, but she changes him too. They bring out the best in each other.
What’s been the most challenging scene or song to perform, and why?
‘Waiting For This Moment’ is such a joy to sing but also a challenge, turns out singing in a pop style with an English accent is surprisingly tricky, let alone the amount of Latin words I’ve had to memorise!
What message do you hope young audience members, particularly young women, will take from Jane’s character?
My favourite thing about Jane is her complete confidence in herself. She never apologises for being exactly who she is and going after exactly what she wants. I hope young people watching the show can see themselves mirrored in Jane, in her strength, humility, and her quirks. I hope they will be inspired to follow their passions, because like Jane (and like myself), you never know where they might lead!
For more information or to buy tickets, please visit https://tarzanstagemusical.com.au/
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
Related Posts
WoW Ghosts of K’aresh – George Velev Interview (Blizzard Senior Game Producer) →
WoW Ghosts of K’aresh – Dani Merrithew Interview (Blizzard Lead Quest Designer) →
7 Top Tips for Breaking into the Game Development Industry →
