SnapChat: Miriama McDowell

Miriama McDowell stars in Burn Her at Q Theatre until August 18. Photo / supplied

My first job was... At 14 I was a cashier at Silver Bell Veggie World on Dominion Rd. I had to learn the difference between all the varieties of bok choy, pack up 100-year-old pickled, rotten eggs from a big barrel, and weigh pistachios. I always came home with shells in my pockets - from the nuts, not the eggs!

It taught me... about varieties of food that I'd never been exposed to before - sesame sweet dumplings, pickled plums, red bean paste. I learned that the quickest way to experience a culture is through food and I loved working at Silver Bell for that reason.

My big break… was probably when I got cast in my first feature film, No. 2. I was a couple of years out of drama school, and in that job I was surrounded by talented, gorgeous, intelligent brown people, including the writer and director Toa Fraser, who eventually became the father of my own gorgeous intelligent brown children! That film won the Audience prize at Sundance that year, with incredible American Civil Rights leader Ruby Dee playing the matriarch.

The last job I quit was... I don't think I've ever quit a job! Have I? I don't think so. But I do have very clear boundaries when it comes to my work, especially since having children. I love my work, but it has to be worth it financially, spiritually and experientially, if I'm going to be away from my children.

The most famous person I've ever met is... I was in a scene with Peter O'Toole once. He told me I had a very pretty nose.

He was... in his 80s and very frail, but his eyes were so piercing, like diamonds. I thought "yep, you still got it".

The best time I've had on stage was... doing Raising The Titanics. It was a musical play about a Māori show band. It was something about that time in my life with those particular people, singing songs, wearing fabulous dresses, leading the audiences into nostalgia. I also had a hairstylist backstage to get the 60's "do" right every night. It all felt very glamorous for theatre!

The worst time was... I honestly don't think I ever have a bad time on stage! I love performing, even if it's to a small audience, I feel at my best when I'm on stage. The worst times for me are opening nights because I sit outside of myself looking in; I get nervous and judgmental about my performance. Once they're over, I can just get on with the job!

My dream role would be... playing some warrior queen like all those kick-ass women in Wonder Woman. I'd love a job where they pay me to get fit, strong, lean, and then make me look like a natural born fighter. If she was a Māori that would be even better!

Miriama McDowell performs in Burn Her, on at Q Theatre as part of their MATCHBOX 2018 season until August 18.