Monica Barbaro Opens Up About Impostor Syndrome Amid Career Milestones
Monica Barbaro, the California-born actor who earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, is now preparing for her stage debut in the National Theatre's revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Despite her rising fame, she admits that impostor syndrome remains a significant challenge in her career.
From Baez to Tourvel: A Daunting Transition
Barbaro, 35, spent months immersing herself in the role of folk singer and activist Joan Baez, studying her voice, learning guitar, and even wearing prosthetic teeth to capture her look. "We filmed it only a year and a half ago, and it was put out within months," she recalls. "It was really intense. It took a long time for me to land afterwards and feel more like myself again." The Oscar nomination for her performance was "totally surreal," but she worked to embrace the achievement, seeing it as a reminder of her hard work and dedication.
Now, she faces a new challenge as Madame de Tourvel in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a role previously played by actresses like Michelle Pfeiffer and Reese Witherspoon. "Speaking aloud in a theatre for this big of an audience is new for me," she says, highlighting the apprehension that comes with her stage debut. The play, directed by Marianne Elliott, revisits Christopher Hampton's adaptation to emphasize the women's perspectives in the story of seduction and manipulation.
Connecting with Joan Baez and Shared Identities
Barbaro's connection to Joan Baez deepened through their shared mixed heritage—Barbaro is a quarter Mexican, and Baez is half Mexican. She found Baez's exploration of dual identities in her memoir "so personal," resonating with her own experiences in an industry that often tries to categorize actors. "I'm just like: 'Then she marched with Martin Luther King, are we clear on that? Do people know that?'" she says, admiring Baez's activism and influence on Dylan's political voice.
Meeting Baez in person last year was a "trippy" experience for Barbaro. "It was so strange to hear in person the voice I'd been obsessing over for so long," she shares. "There's a worship quality to it; I felt in complete awe of her." They have kept in touch, and Barbaro hopes to have a more relaxed conversation with her in the future.
Exploring Darkness and Power in Les Liaisons Dangereuses
For Barbaro, the appeal of Les Liaisons Dangereuses lies not in its sexiness but in the underlying themes of power and corruption. "I find it to be quite depressing," she admits with a laugh. "You can see the characters having fun with the games they're playing with people. And then at the end you realise: that's a horrific thing to do to somebody." She compares the story to a Greek tragedy, noting its relevance to modern issues like systemic abuse and elite excess, referencing the Epstein files as a contemporary parallel.
The play's focus on women's limited resistance in pre-revolutionary France adds depth to her role. Barbaro relates to Tourvel's vulnerability, saying, "As a modern woman with autonomy and independence, the thing I fear most in the world is dying of heartbreak." She emphasizes the theme of shame as still relevant today, making the character's downfall poignant for audiences.
Overcoming Doubt and Embracing Vulnerability
Despite her success, Barbaro continues to grapple with self-doubt. "We ran scenes one through five yesterday, twice, and – I probably shouldn't say this – but I went home thinking: 'I'm a terrible actor and they're finding out,'" she confesses. She is grateful for her career progression in her 30s, rather than earlier, as it has kept her grounded. "The scarcity of work in this industry has terrified me for so long, and it feels like a gift to not be in a state of desperation any more," she adds.
Acting has become a form of therapy for Barbaro, helping her confront fears of embarrassment. "I was, in a lot of ways, raised with the ideology to never embarrass yourself. But in the theatre, that's the number one thing you have to be comfortable doing," she explains. Her workaholism and commitment to independence serve as personal mechanisms for self-protection, much like Tourvel's use of religion.
Looking Ahead with Uncertainty and Excitement
As Barbaro returns to rehearsals, she reflects on her future with a mix of uncertainty and optimism. "I honestly don't know right now, which is kind of a weird, exciting thing," she says. "It's nice to feel that and not feel like: 'Oh no, I'll never work again.' At least I know something will be there." With her stage debut at the National Theatre, she sees it as an opportunity to prove her worthiness and explore new facets of her craft.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses runs at the National Theatre in London until 6 June, marking a significant step in Barbaro's evolving career as she continues to navigate the highs and lows of the acting world.
