‘Utopia Falls’: Kate Drummond feels conveying serious issues through music is a 'testament to the writing'
Adding a slice of science fiction in the realm of entertainment has helped stretch our thoughts beyond the limits of imagination. However, Hulu’s latest series ‘Utopia Falls’ has carved a niche for itself by incorporating music in mystery, presenting to us the first-ever sci-fi musical.
Kate Drummond, who plays the role of Authority Phydra in RT Throne’s ‘Utopia Falls’ — in an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) — lauded the creators for masterminding a show that most articulately brings attention to socially relevant issues through entertainment.
Talking about the significance of music in ‘Utopia Falls’ and its role in instigating a revolution in the city of New Babyl, Kate stated, “Basically the series uses the power of music and dance to explore themes of youth activism, eco-awareness, diversity, culture, and freedom of expression. It shows people how youth empowerment issues and song and dance can shape your future and spark a change. So, that is how music plays that role and I think it's really powerful. It's actually made me look more closely at the messages that I've been taught in my life.”
Reflecting on the influence of pop culture in her life, Kate said, “As a creator of content, as a writer and a director, it's really important that I acknowledge how pop culture has affected me and the lens through which I view the world. And so this series is asking people not only to look further than just the song and dance but to pay attention to how we are influenced by all sorts of pop culture and media.”
“Does it make us more open-minded? Does it make us more closed-minded? Are we willing to look outside of our reality and to possibly learn about somebody else's reality? You know my world looks the way it does, because of the way I've interacted with it and what I've been exposed to. But it's different for everyone,” she added.
Although ‘Utopia Falls’ is one of its kind, comparisons continue to be drawn. Kate believes that some skeptics might reject it at first as it’s something they have never seen before. “That is the risk RT took when he created this vision, that's the risk anyone takes with having a voice, or creating something that's different from the status quo. Potentially people will reject it because it's not familiar, but I think that's the point and I think it's really going to get some buzz,” Kate responded when asked how the audience is expected to react to ‘Utopia Falls’.
However, she feels ‘Utopia Falls’ will cater to all kinds of audiences owing to its very nature. It would appeal to a bunch of teenagers as much as it would to a fan in their 40s. Stating herself as an example, Kate told MEAWW, “I gravitate towards it because it energizes me. It gives me this youthful resurgence in myself that's so energetic, inspirational and I feel alive.”
As a writer and a director, Kate credits the creators of the show for beautifully weaving the nuances of music and social issues into the series, calling it “a testament to the writing and the vision of this show”.
For those of you who are in the lookout for a television show that could entertain you with enchanting beats while reminding you of your responsibilities towards the mother Earth,
All 10 episodes of the series are available for streaming on Hulu. Viewers in Canada can also stream them on CBC Gem.