In Conversation with Alexander Circosta (Rena Owen)

Rena Owen is a powerhouse performer whose work has left a lasting mark on international film and television. Born on July 22, 1962, in New Zealand, she is of Māori and Welsh descent and rose to global prominence with her unforgettable portrayal of Beth Heke in Once Were Warriors (1994). That role not only earned her multiple Best Actress awards at festivals like Montreal, Seattle, and San Diego, but also cemented her reputation as one of the most compelling screen actors of her generation.

In this episode, we explore Rena’s remarkable journey—from her upbringing in Moerewa and early training as a nurse, to her bold move to London in the 1980s where she honed her craft with the Royal Shakespeare Company. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has worked across theatre, film, and television, collaborating with legendary directors like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.