Hear, Hear, Klara!

London-based Klara Grapci-Germizaj, with Kosovar roots, brings heart to every role—including her standout in Valdrin Thaqi's Short Poems and Other Tales—and loves getting lost in London’s stories.

There's something about London that brings the best of Prishtina. And there's a Prishtina girl that brings the best of London. Klara Grapci-Germizaj is her name and she was radiating in the recent play of Valdrin Thaqi titled "Short Poems and Other Tales". Klara is a bold new acting talent, but with type of edge that can only be honed from the crazy combo of urban experience and Oxford drama education.

Indeed, after graduating from Oxford School of Drama, Klara has tackled everything from the haunting The Nightingale to the intense The Mouth of Truth and My sister is Butterfly.

Off stage, as it becomes clear from this TenTen interview, Klara's is contemplative urban explorer and a film addict, always jotting down fresh new corners of the city to inspire her next role. She's on a mission to tell stories with grit and heart, but she's just getting started. And she'll be captivating your hearts wherever you see her, in alternative theaters of Prishtina, London underground or global stage.

1. Tung Klara, where are you right this second, and what’s the vibe around you? Are you in character mode or chill mode?

Hej Arlinda, I’m on the overground on my way out. The vibes around me are very chill, everyone’s on their way home and on their phones. I’m on my way out to meet some people for a long overdue catch up. I’m usually in character mode when I’m in transit. Its perfect for that because it’s a liminal space. So I put my headphones in and pretend I’m everywhere and anywhere but TFL. That being said, I keep my ears free when I’m on the bus or on the tube late at night. The stories and characters you encounter often provide all the necessary inspiration.

2. Was acting always the dream, or did something else almost steal the spotlight?

It was always acting. I LOVE escapism and acting offers that in endless forms! Being a pilot came close. But then I found out 20/20 vision is required and I don’t have that. My friend Lily recently told me that apparently when I was five years old I announced to my primary school that I wanted to be ‘an international supermodel who did charity work’. But since I don’t remember saying that I don’t think it counts. I was probably in character.

3. How do you unwind after an intense rehearsal? And what music’s on your playlist these days?

I love intense rehearsals. Afterwards I shake it off!! Have a coffee and a cigarette. Try and see someone who lights me up. I meditate and do some yoga. And then I go to sleep knowing I’ve earned it. I can’t stop listening to The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite) by Quincy Jones, Barry White, Al B. Sure!, James Ingram and El DeBarge, By Your Side by Sade, I’m From Louisiana by Louisiana Ca$h and Daffodil by Jamie XX. That’s a whole playlist in itself.

4. If you could rehearse your lines anywhere in the world—Grand Hotel Prishtina, a London rooftop, or deep in the Albanian mountains—where would you choose?

The rocks by Deià beach in Mallorca. And then I’d go to Bar Le Sang.

5. What’s one scene or interaction from Short Poems and Other Tales that makes you feel totally alive on stage? Do you get butterflies every time?

The whole project made me feel alive. The interactions were constantly invigorating because the team was amazing. But what immediately comes to mind is the scene where I sing. Butterflies every time. Singing is a very cathartic experience for me and that song…

6. What stories or themes would you love to explore that reflect both your Kosovar roots and your British experiences?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently, that I would love to make my own film about straddling these worlds. Feeling tied to two cultures is such a complex and fruitful experience. These inputs can be confusing to navigate. So belonging, identity and forging a unique path are themes I’d love to explore through these lenses.

7. If your life were a feature film, who would direct it, and who would be the lead actor playing you?

Ohh this is by far the hardest question. I’m grateful to admire the work of so many directors and actors. So naturally I’ve rewritten this 10 times now and the list is endless. I think ultimately I’m trying to live my life as if it’s a feature film. So I guess right now I’m trying to direct and act it in real time. Is that a cop out? Okay fair enough. Can you come back to me later when I’m better acquainted with the story?

8. What’s the weirdest thing about Prishtina that’s totally normal to you, but would make your London friends say, “Wait, what?”

Things happen spontaneously. We can meet for a coffee without four weeks’ notice.

9. What’s your number one rule for dealing with a lame?

Hope they find their way and carry on focusing on mine.

10. The world is ending. What are you wearing?

Anything from the Tom Ford for Gucci 1996 collections.