Exclusive Interview: Flora Li Thiemann Discusses ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’

Flora Li Thiemann is an emerging storyteller who has captivated audiences with her nuanced performances in projects, including Tiger Milk, Sputnik, and Nelly’s Adventure. This November, she stars in the highly-anticipated The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, eighteen-years-old Coriolanus Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol.

With the tenth annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girls tribute from impoverished District 12. But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony. Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Flora about The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, transforming into her character, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling and the arts?
Flora: I began acting when I was seven years old, so I developed that passion really early on. Growing up, I was always engaged in something creative. It’s always been a significant part of my life, and I’ve always felt fulfilled doing it. Being a creative is wonderful, especially having the opportunity to tell stories and touch people’s lives. I’m very happy that I get to do that.

PC: You’re one of the stars of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. What can fans expect from the film? What was it about this character that resonated with you?
Flora: It’s a prequel, so it’s happening before everything that we’ve seen in the films, which was so interesting. I got onto set and saw this universe that we all know and love, but this is still a new story that happens prior to all of those films. It was really exciting.

My character is Livia Cardew. She’s a member of the Capitol, which represents a specific class in the story. She’s a mentor to one of the Tributes in the Hunger Games.

PC: This is such a huge franchise to be a part of. Did you feel any pressure heading into this project? How did you celebrate the news that you landed the role?
Flora: I wouldn’t say it was pressure; it was more excitement. When I got the audition, I didn’t expect anything to come from it. When it did, I was really, really excited.

This is such an international cast. We all became a family while filming this project. It was so nice.

PC: Like you were saying earlier, Livia is a mentor to one of the Tributes. Who were the mentors in your own life who shaped the storyteller that you are today? Did you channel them into your performance?
Flora: That’s a beautiful question. It’s my parents. They’re also very creative and artists. They’ve always encouraged me to pursue a career in this field. I’ve always felt supported by them, which isn’t always the case. Some of my acting friends have told me how their parents encouraged them to do something that’s more secure. I’m glad that my parents always believed in me and my artistic endeavors.

PC: How challenging was it for you to play Livia?
Flora: People don’t really like her as much. She’s a little mean, but I think that’s connected to the Capitol and their status in society. Once I was on set and had my costume and makeup on, it’s easy to step into this character, but it was still scary.

PC: This is one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year. What do you hope audiences take away after they see it? Is there a scene in particular that you’re excited for them to see?
Flora: I’m very excited to see it myself. I haven’t had the opportunity yet, but I hope that they enjoy the world that we’ve built, and they really dive into the story.

PC: You’ve done so much already in your career. What’s left on your bucket list?
Flora: There’s so much that I would love to do. I’d like to play a fantastical figure like a witch or mermaid, something that’s not human. That would be interesting.

To keep up with Flora, follow her on Instagram. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is out in theaters now.

Photo Credit: Marco Krueger