Do hearts have memories? Emerald Ashes Ent explores this theory in its debut series, TWO OF HEARTS, created by actress Asha Etchison. Floored by a sudden drive, Etchison found herself moving from the front of the camera to behind the scenes as a producer, writer, and director.
While the idea was planted for years, it wasn’t until this year, when frustrated filled the New Jersey-based, that the Universe compelled the actress to bring her idea to forwishen. “I love magic and the supernatural genre as a whole but rarely do I see audition opportunities for people of color to be key parts of that realm. So I got tired of waiting! Instead, with an amazing crew of four (Brielle Stewart, Jenaya Abernathy, Iyana Williams & Rayvon Southerland), I was able to create a world of mystery and magic that had a diverse cast of talented actors. This is my way of showing the world that people of color can be beautifully complicated and magical too.”
The series centered around Teagan Guise (played by Asha Etchison) after a tumultuous year following her cardiac transplant. Supporting her through this recovery is her lively mother (played byBrenda Crawley) and overly concerned best friend, Det. Owen Cooke (Leonidas Ocampo). However, what first appeared as a case of ‘survivor’s guilt’ soon takes an unexpected turn when Teagan is confronted by a man she’s only glimpsed in medication induced ‘visions’. Propelled by this encounter into a journey for answers, Teagan comes face to face with the confounding question, ‘Should you follow your heart, even if it’s not yours?’
With its fall release quickly approaching, I had a chance to sit down with Two of Hearts creator and lead actress Asha Etchison to talk about the series and much more. Read the full interview below!
Two Of Hearts is a love child of your very own making. While your resume of work is extensive, how was it stepping from behind the camera to in front to play lead character Teagan Guise?
“The overall experience has left me with a deeper respect and understanding for both sides of this creative coin. As an actor, you may be given creative freedom in bringing a character to life but you still seek guidance from the director to know that your interpretation is in line with the original vision. As the writer and creator sky is truly the limit! It’s honestly a mind blowing and humbling experience.”
During the season, viewers will follow Teagan post-cardiac transplant surgery as she battles “survivor’s remorse”. This viewpoint is not one often depicted. What went into the decision making process in navigating this path?
“It was very important to me to have a complex, yet, relatable character. So here is Teagan, who has come face to face with the evidence of her own mortality and is now trying to come to terms with her own sense of self worth, importance and purpose. I believe her remorse is overall a very natural response to trauma that may be more common in our society than is acknowledged. In the end it affects her choices in the present, it shapes her perception of the future, and undeniably impacts her connection with friends and family. Though Teagan will be taken down a path much more far-fetched and fanciful than anything in real life, her entire journey is a major part of her self realization, empowerment and inevitable destiny.”
Struggles with health is a very sore subject for people whom often times don’t feel comfortable sharing their journey with others. For those in the good fight alongside Teagan, what advice would you give?
“Creating Teagan has made me realize three very crucial things: trust that you know when something is wrong, seek help when you need it, and don’t ever settle for assistance/opinions that don’t feel right. Your health, both mental and physical, is extremely important and should be treated as such by yourselves and others around you. So please surround yourself with those who are supportive of your healing and recovery, those who truly wish to see you flourish, all the while practicing more self awareness and care.”
“Despite the fantastical shaping of this series, I am completely aware that heart health is a very real and serious issue. As such, there are items listed in the TOH Series shop that send 10% of proceeds directly to the American Heart Association. I also plan to do the same with donations from crowd funding.”
TWO OF HEARTS has completed production for Season 1, which will be released in two parts to YouTube, Vimeo & Facebook. The first half of the season, episodes 1-5, will air on Oct 31st (Halloween) 2018. The second half, episodes 6-11, will release January 2, 2019. To receive updates connect with the series on Instagram and follow the hashtag #TOHseries.
Whether I'm popping in to an open mic night or digital crate-digging for hours through my favorite digital streaming platform, finding indie artists is the name then telling their story is the game.
