Before we dive into the questions, let's clear up what “Menace” is about. It is a microseries that was designed and released on Instagram staring Flavia Borges, Sarah Aló, and Devan Carson. The series follows Ana, Daisy, and Jane who live in the same apartment complex but were never friends. When women’s rights begin to disappear and male groups threaten them with violence, the trio bands together to protect themselves. Thirteen, one minute episodes are how these strong ladies tell a story, and I was lucky enough to have communication with one of the stars and writers, Sarah Alò. Over emails, I was able to ask some questions about the show, plans, and the things “Menace” is accomplishing. The complete interview can be seen below but the thing that stuck with me from this series about empowering women is said best when Alò writes, “Every woman that has ever lived before you is with you. We have power when we’re together, and we are with you.”
1. What are three things that everyone should know about or the series?
It’s on Instagram. It’s created, produced, directed by and starring women, with a majority female crew. It’s about 3 women forced to deal with their differences while hiding from femicide from an extremist male pride group.
2. Before the series, did you know that you wanted to make content like this?
We only knew we wanted to make something about real women and real women’s issues that real women can relate to.
3. Are there any major life events that made you want to use your voice in this way?
The election definitely made our voices louder, stronger and more focused. We don’t want to see women’s rights restricted. Suddenly, we felt like our voices may not always be allowed; that made us stop taking what we already have achieved as women for granted.
4. How did all you guys, Flavia Borges, Sarah Aló, and Devan Carson, all meet?
Flavia and Devon met through The Artistic Home acting studio in Chicago, and Sarah and Flavia met in an improv class at The Second City.
5. What were you guys doing before you started this microseries?
Flavia was finishing up her first short film, acting and writing her first feature film. Devon was acting and directing in Chicago, as well as performing with her band Airstream Futures.
6. How did the idea for “Menace originally come about?
Menace came from a lot of things — a focus group with women we know, endless brainstorming sessions, writing and rewriting and editing. But from the beginning, we knew we wanted to show real women interacting with each other, having conversations real women have. From there, Devon pushed us into the world of fantasy and expanded the backstory. After the election inspired us and we got feedback from our table read, we heightened the dystopian element by adding the podcast.
7. What was the main goal of starting this series?
The main goal of Menace was to collaborate and create with other women and give voice to a variety of women we don’t see represented well in media. We wanted to tell a story that means something to us, and we think it means something to women in the current social and political climate. We wanted to create, and we found that the best way to get it done was to work together. And it wasn’t without plenty of difficulty. Collaboration can be very difficult, but it’s so worth it.
8. What was it like to watch the series gain popularity on social media?
We were shocked. Truly. But thrilled! It was so wonderful to see people connecting with the story, the characters, asking for more, and feeling inspired!
9. Are there any other series or things in the works that viewers should know about?
Right now we are writing a pilot for Menace and submitting it to film festivals and for awards. We hope to take Menace as far as we can, whether that’s a second season for web or a full series (girls can dream, can’t they?) on a streaming channel or a cable network.
10 Is there anything you wish you could tell a younger you or young girls who feel alone or attacked in this current climate?
You’re not alone. Every woman that has ever lived before you is with you. We have power when we’re together, and we are with you. Reach out to the women around you, as well as the male allies you know, and learn from each other. Read feminist poets like Audre Lorde or Rupi Kaur. Take care of yourself and know your value. Speak confidently and take credit when it’s due. Push the limits of your abilities and know you can succeed. We are cheering you on!
Here is the link to this incredible series- https://www.menaceseries.com/#about-section
The opinions expressed in this series and article are not those of Greenwood High School or The Paw Print.
All images are taken from https://www.menaceseries.com/#about-section or @menaceseries on Instagram