Tala Ashe
Tala Ashe stars as Elham in the hit Broadway Pulitzer Prize-winning play English written by Sanaz Toossi and directed by Knud Adams. Before hitting the Broadway stage she performed in the off-Broadway production of English and was nominated for a Drama Desk award. We foresee many more nominations for this incredibly gifted soul coming soon. It was a pleasure to hang with Tala in her dressing room and get to know this wide eyed natural beauty (though she does have a sweet makeup collection!) her rad personal style, ongoing support of Iranian artists, deep connection to family and easy going warmth topped off with the most electric smile. Scroll on down as we capture her in her element and her favorite pair of jeans.
The Bare Magazine: What do you think makes English such a hit and really resonate with audiences?
Tala Ashe: Sanaz Toossi has written a Great American Play and Knud Adams has directed that play so delicately and beautifully, with the help of an incredible team of designers. There’s nothing like it on Broadway and I think that breath of fresh air may be part of why it’s resonating with audiences.
The play is quiet and subtle, and we weren’t sure how, or if, that would translate to Broadway, but it’s been really gratifying to feel our audiences go on the journey with us, to be moved by these characters and even be changed by grappling with the questions the plays asks.
Bare: Describe what you love about your character and in what ways do you feel connected to her? What have you learned from her?
TA: I love Elham for her tenacity and verve. I appreciate that she is moving through the world unapologetically, which I think is so rare and difficult as a woman, especially an Iranian woman, in that society. She has echoes of my mother, my grandmothers, my ancestral line that connects me to a deep well of resilience.
I’ve learned (or am learning) something around accepting who I am and knowing it’s okay to not be everyone’s cup of tea. All that I am, even the parts of me that I judge and struggle with, comprise ME, my lived experience, my history, and I need to respect the journey that got me to where I am right now.
Bare: We had the pleasure of visiting you in your dressing room - it was lovely! What's your usual process pre-show, getting into character, and makeup/hair?
TA: Thank you! I arrive with enough time before curtain to meditate, warm-up, and do a run through of the ball/word game we play in the show (messing this up haunts us all). Then I turn on mostly 70’s Persian music at half hour, get into mic and costume/makeup/hair. Lastly, I have photos of my family on the mirror that I like to take a moment with before I step on stage.
Bare: You mentioned loving makeup! What are some current favorite products? Do you feel it can be a confidence booster?
TA: Growing up, I loved experimenting with makeup. There were some “serious” missteps along the way, but eventually my skill leveled up with my enthusiasm. Now when I wear makeup I’m seeking a certain degree of whimsy and fun, so yes, I absolutely feel a confidence boost when approaching it from that perspective.
Some current faves are Ilia mascara, Saie concealer, Merit blush, Victoria Beckham satin kajal liners (they come in really fun colors), the Half Magic Flik Eraser makeup correcting pen (brilliant for a fool-proof wing), and Pat McGrath eye shadows with Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal so the glitter situation doesn’t get too unwieldy.
Bare: You live pretty far from the Manhattan theatre district. Do you like being a bit disconnected in some ways?
TA: I do. Being closer to nature and having more space has been a game changer for my headspace. Midtown Manhattan couldn’t be more different than my home environment and it’s kind of incredible that I get to step foot in both realities every day.
Bare: It was nice to photograph you in outfits you picked out. Can you describe how your style has evolved? Who are some current Iranian artists and designers you're loving and supporting?
TA: I go with my gut when it comes to how I dress, my objective is feeling good: one day it’s comfort, another day it’s making a bold statement. I’ve always loved fashion and have great respect for beautiful, impactful design.
While I appreciate trends, I think my style has evolved to become more truly personal over the years. The shirts I wore for the shoot are by LEBAS. Some other Iranian designers on my radar are Amir Taghi, Dorian Who, Yuzefi, Melody Ehsani, Pairi Daeza, and Zahdei.
Bare: What are your favorite current side passions and hobbies? What do you do on breaks on two show days?
TA: I have a craft station set up in my dressing room that currently houses watercolors and cross-stitch. In between shows you’ll find me dabbling with those or reading. Books have been a refuge throughout my life.
Bare: Please list your top 5/6 Bare essentials (they can be anything and anyone).
TA:
My cats: Moosh & Gorgi.
White+Warren scarf - horribly pricey but it’s how I endure the NYC winter and I’ve had it for over a decade. Buy once, cry once.
This Simplehuman mirror - I’ve gifted this to multiple people, my mom said it improved her quality of life, the highest compliment.
Lypo-spheric vitamin C - I’m fighting the good fight to stay healthy while performing a play in the dead of winter.
Blistex DCT - I use it on lips, cuts, really anything I’m trying to heal. It’s my Windex (shoutout immigrant dads!).
Josh Rosebrook Hydrating accelerator - I love this and feel like it actually works.
Photos/Makeup/Ed in Chief: Tina Turnbow using @juicebeauty @merit
Tala wears her own clothing
Shot at the Todd Haimes Theatre NYC
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
