British-born actor, action performer, dancer and choreographer Emiko Ishii was once told by her theatrical agent that there were no roles for Japanese actors. But she’s proved them wrong with her vibrant and multi-stranded career, which has included critically acclaimed theatre, action movies and Bollywood films. She’s also a professional dancer and choreographer, and owns her own company, Epika Dance, a troupe that fuses Indian and Japanese dance, hip hop and martial arts. She says: “I want to represent the beauty of global dance to a wider audience.” Here she talks about her career and her achievements in acting, dancing, choreography and action performances.
Theatre
Kate: Tell us about your role in the play "The Mistake"?
Emiko Ishii: It’s one of the most exciting and challenging roles that I’ve had, playing multiple characters. It’s an urgent play about the atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was written by Michael Mears, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and then completed two runs at London’s Arcola Theatre by popular demand, receiving 4-star reviews from "The Times and The Scotsman".
You’re also a great dancer and have danced in movies. Did you perform at any events too?
"Mad About Dance" was my debut as an actress in a Bollywood feature Film. It was a dream to be able to combine both Indian dance and acting in this role.
I have 18 years of professional dance experience as a performer, choreographer and qualified instructor. With Threebee Dance, I was a semi-finalist in "Britain’s Got Talent". Then, in 2012, I was part of the choreographic team, assistant dance captain and featured dancer at the London Olympics opening ceremony. Bring on the Bollywood UK Tour pushed me in another way, combining different styles of Indian dancing, singing and acting.
I’ve appeared in film, TV, theatre, fashion shows and award shows in the UK and abroad, including the Asian Achievers Awards, Antalya Film Festival, Olivier Awards, Comic Relief, National Lottery Live; and Cannes Film Festival.
Choreography work
How do you combine this with choreography work?
Choreography was a natural progression for me from all the disciplines that I do, including dance, acting and martial arts.
I love being creatively challenged. Fulfilling the vision of each project is unique, so the choreography should reflect this and elevate the overall piece. I’ve also incorporated all my disciplines through my international Bollywood company, Epika Dance.
What was your first acting experience?
I was born and raised in the UK. I was very shy and quiet as a child – I couldn’t even look people in the eye. When I was 13 years old, I was given the opportunity to play the first witch in Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" and Titania in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" in my school play. I stood on the stage feeling comfortable and confident. From that moment, I knew acting was my calling.
How did you get into the industry?
I joined a local performing arts agency to kickstart my acting and dance career. I also trained in different forms of martial arts to expand my range in acting. After a year I was told by the agency that there were no roles for Japanese girls. I believe in never giving up on your goals and dreams. Being Japanese, I wanted to be an actress who connects people by understanding their history, culture and sentiment. Prior to pursuing my career in acting, I went to King’s College University London to read film, American history and literature, as my overachieving Asian parents wanted me to get a real job as a third AD on a major feature film… but I rebelled and took a role as an actress in a Bollywood feature instead – the rest is history!
Inspiration
Who has inspired you to follow your dreams?
My parents have always inspired me, showing that hard work, honesty and passion always pays off. My great aunt, Machiko Soga, was an actress in Japan and she taught me to always be myself and to fight for my dreams, as she has. Doing basic military training for four years has given me the mental and physical endurance to tackle any obstacle, as well as the value of teamwork. My gurus and senseis in dance and martial arts have also played a huge role in training me to face any challenge head-on.
