Christopher Papakaliatis has long been known for his ability to weave deeply human stories that resonate beyond borders. With Maestro in Blue, he has captured a global audience, blending intimate character studies with broader societal themes. As the third season draws to a close, Papakaliatis reflects on the show’s evolution, the universal appeal of Greek storytelling, and what the future may hold. From juggling multiple creative roles to ensuring every emotionally charged scene leaves an impact, he shares his insights with Schön! on the creative journey that has led him here — and where it might take him next.
full look. Philipp Plein
shoes. Sebago
full look. Philipp Plein
shoes. Sebago
Credits
As the third season ends, how would you describe the show’s evolution from the first to the present season in terms of story and character development?
I feel that all characters have grown and evolved according to the social matters that concern each and every one of them.
Your characters are often praised for their depth and emotional complexity. How do you approach creating such layered personalities, and how has that influenced this season?
My source of inspiration for the characters was and is the people around me. Not just my social circle but everyone that orbits around the society we live in, on a universal level. I can never disregard the reality of our times when I write about people. This is what fuels me. All the things that I find myself questioning, my beliefs and fears, are expressed through these stories.
Many of your stories reflect Greek culture and identity. How do you balance local storytelling with a narrative that resonates on a global scale?
An authentic story, with real characters in real situations, often has the power to cross boundaries and speak to a universal level. That was always my hope for Maestro in Blue. I wanted to write a story that people all over the world could hopefully relate to.
full look. Le Pére
opposite
full look. Dolce & Gabbana
full look. Le Pére
opposite
full look. Dolce & Gabbana
Credits
The show has gained international acclaim. How do you feel about its growing popularity in the U.S., and has it influenced your creative direction?
The appeal of the show has definitely inspired and humbled me, but that doesn’t mean that it has affected the way I choose to tell the story. It’s very encouraging and thrilling for me, and it’s also the reason why I am examining the possibility of a fourth season.
You work both as an actor and a writer/director on the show. How does wearing multiple hats affect your creative process and decision-making on set?
It’s complicated and many times overwhelming, but I’ve been doing this for years, so it now feels organic for me. I feel I have found a good balance between these different roles. However, I am still navigating through it, and I’m always seeking good collaborators.
Many of your scenes are emotionally intense and beautifully shot. How do you ensure that the emotional weight translates well on screen?
The most difficult task is to find the right people that you have a good connection with—those who understand the vision and add to that vision. It’s never a one-man job. It takes a village, and I feel I have found that village in the actors and the crew.
full look. Le Pére
shoes. Dolce & Gabbana
opposite
full look. Philipp Plein
full look. Le Pére
shoes. Dolce & Gabbana
opposite
full look. Philipp Plein
Credits
With the success of this series, do you already have plans for new projects or collaborations in the pipeline?
I do. First, I need to examine the possibility of writing an additional Maestro in Blue season. Right now, I’m taking some time to clear my head.
What do you hope this show’s lasting impact will be on viewers, especially those who have followed it from the beginning?
My hope is to stir emotions that we all carry or bury—to pose questions and concerns that I share. The world around us might be constantly changing (not always in a good way), but human needs, at their core, remain the same. People will always have the need to listen to stories. Storytelling is part of our DNA, and this trait we all share will remain unchanged.
full look. Represent
shoes. Sebago
opposite
top. Le Pére
full look. Represent
shoes. Sebago
opposite
top. Le Pére
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Usher performs on stage at The O2 Arena on March 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for USHER )
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Usher performs on stage at The O2 Arena on March 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for USHER )
Credits
Usher’s ‘Past Present Future’ tour proves that nobody does performance quite like a legacy artist. Celebrating 30 years of hits, his decades in the industry shone through as his star aura radiated throughout the stadium. The Atlanta R&B superstar will spend his spring 2025 touring in London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin. Usher’s sold-out stint at London’s O2 arena covers 10 shows which the singer told the crowd marks every year since he’d last played in the city. The show is an impressive two and a half hours long with Usher being on stage for a large portion of it. Although the night is long, there is never a dull moment, making for an immersive experience.
The theatrical set design and interactiveness of the show keeps the pace of the evening exciting. Whether he’s roller skating around the stage in a bedazzled tracksuit or walking though the crowd dressed in nothing but some leather jeans and fur jacket with cherries in hand, Usher is a class act in bringing a show to life. His cherry act in particular has become an internet favourite since his 2024 Paris residency. Showing incredible stamina, he peruses several sections of the crowd in search of women he can feed a cherry too. The star knows how to play into the sensuality of his music, with projections on the screen showing hot and steamy re-enactments and talented pole dancers bringing the fun of an ATL strip club to the O2 as Usher sings ‘I Don’t Mind’ surrounded by women.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Usher performs on stage with Naomi Campbell at The O2 Arena on April 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images For Usher)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Usher performs on stage with Naomi Campbell at The O2 Arena on April 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images For Usher)
Credits
The show’s dynamic lighting radiates off the sparkly ensembles Usher adorns at the beginning of the show. When he eases into 2010s classics like ‘Climax’ the lighting mimics the flashing lights of a dimly lit club. Although there is always something going on, whether that be his extremely talented dancers doing back flips or Usher hitting a handstand, there is a coherent thread of storytelling throughout the show. The artist uses AI to look back on different eras of his career through younger versions of himself, travelling through time and his discography. He not only reflects on his musical journey, but of his personal one too, touching on themes like fatherhood and former relationships.
On Sunday (6 April,) Usher thanked London crowds for their loud support and for being so welcoming to this “American boy” before bringing on special guest Estelle to perform her hit song of the same name. The show reminisced on his rise to the top while addressing the flaws he’s overcome on the way through hits like ‘Confessions.’ Although the audio quality was not always the best throughout the show, Usher’s vocals were studio perfect as were his signature dance moves, complimented by an ensemble of talented dancers who brought his music to life. Usher spent the evening effortlessly giving his all on his entire discography, meaning no fan was left disappointed. The ‘Past Present Future’ tour is a must see for anyone after a lively and memorable night of nostalgia.
leather jacket. SANDRO
vest. AHLUWALIA
trousers. PAUL SMITH
loafers. REFRENCE
opposite
full look. Valentino
leather jacket. SANDRO
vest. AHLUWALIA
trousers. PAUL SMITH
loafers. REFRENCE
opposite
full look. Valentino
Credits
What does it take to inhabit the mindset of a man moments from death — suspended in the cold, black stillness of the deep sea, tethered only by hope and memory? For Finn Cole, stepping into the role of diver Chris Lemons in ‘Last Breath‘ wasn’t just an acting challenge; it was a test of endurance, empathy, and emotional precision. Known for his sharp instincts in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘Animal Kingdom’, Cole has evolved from rising talent to a performer with palpable emotional depth — one who understands that great storytelling lives in the fine balance between technique and vulnerability.
In conversation with Schön!, Finn Cole reflects on filming ‘Last Breath,’ the physical demands of underwater filmmaking, the emotional toll of portraying real-life trauma, and the quiet resilience that carries both character and actor through the darkest depths.
Hi Finn! Thank you for chatting with Schön!. To start, how has your approach to acting evolved since your early days on ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘Animal Kingdom’?
I’d say I’ve learnt a lot of things since the early days: tools to make the job easier and more enjoyable. Mostly discipline with rest periods and routine in my down time to help me focus when working. The approach is different depending on what the part asks of me, I suppose. Figuring that out is the fun bit.
Are there particular techniques, rituals or methods you rely on to immerse yourself in a role, especially for intense performances like ‘Last Breath’?
With ‘Last Breath’, I had to focus on the diving training before I could even think about the character. Once I got comfortable with the technical side of the underwater stuff, I found lots of stretching and meditation helped me focus when I had the helmet on. That actually aligned quite nicely with what we were taught early on in training, so that was a change to my normal approach.
What makes a script stand out to you when you’re deciding whether to take on a role?
Pacing, character, and interesting dilemmas. This script offered all of those things and also allowed me to learn a new skill. That, to me, is a nice bonus!
Are there any actors or filmmakers who have significantly influenced your career or approach to storytelling?
Cillian and Helen were great role models in the early days of my career. John Wells imparted invaluable wisdom in the 6 seasons we worked together on. The list is endless! I love actors who use the ‘less is more’ approach and, alternatively, I’m a huge fan of those who push the boundaries. I just love film and learning from all who make it! Woody and Simu also deserve a special mention for the amount of fun they injected into the shoot day.
Do you see acting as more of a technical skill, an emotional experience, or a combination of both? How do you balance those elements?
Definitely a combination of both, depending on what you’re trying to achieve. You have to draw upon both of those skills very regularly. Emotional sensitivity and intelligence allows you to find interesting answers to questions posed by writers, but you also have to hit your mark and work with the camera efficiently. Best not to overthink it though…
How do you handle emotionally demanding scenes? Is there a process you use to step in and out of a character’s headspace?
Keeping distractions to a minimum is quite important. Without stating the obvious I also push myself to think deeply about the character’s headspace and try to sit with it for as long as possible. It can take a lot of energy though, so it’s sometimes hard to switch off after the more emotional scenes.
‘Last Breath’ is based on true events. How did knowing the real-life outcome impact your approach to the character and the story?
I think it’s important not to tell the end of the story before it’s time. You have to earn an ending like that. The movie, for the most part, plays in real time, making it crucial to stay fully present in each scene to avoid revealing any plot points.
polo shirt. Geordie Campbell
jeans. TDR @ GARBSTORE
opposite
full look. Geordie Campbell
shoes. Lanvin
polo shirt. Geordie Campbell
jeans. TDR @ GARBSTORE
opposite
full look. Geordie Campbell
shoes. Lanvin
Credits
How did you prepare to portray a real-life figure like Chris Lemons, especially considering the harrowing circumstances he endured?
Yes, Chris was very helpful and gave me his phone number right away in case any extra correspondence was needed. There are aspects of the story that the movie could explore further than the documentary could, so it meant I had lots of deep and quite emotional questions for Chris. He was very generous throughout.
It was very helpful to have Chris to talk to, as well as other men who do this job. I wanted to capture the essence of Chris’ personality and I got to ask him some pretty difficult questions. It’s important to be respectful, though. Chris was an absolute gent while I was preparing for the role and extremely supportive throughout!
Has playing Chris Lemons in ‘Last Breath’ changed the way you think about fear, survival, or resilience?
Yes, I suppose it has made me a little more optimistic. It’s also a reminder of how fragile life is.
The film involves intense underwater scenes. What kind of training or challenges did you face while filming those sequences?
There were lots of challenges I’d never come across before on a film set. One of which was having to practically light myself with a flare during the pitch black underwater scenes. Another was having to angle the helmet in such a way that you catch my face, but not so you see the camera reflection in the visor. It made so many takes of backbreaking work unusable. That can be quite demoralising when you’re tired, but we had a fantastic communicative crew who helped us through it.
What was it like working alongside co-stars Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu in such a tense and confined setting?
It was a dream! I’ve been lucky enough to work with lots of fantastic co-stars in my career and these two fit nicely on that list. It’s a pleasure and a luxury to be able to rely on such great scene partners and also have a really good laugh while doing it. So much so we hung out a lot off-set too!
Director Alex Parkinson previously co-directed a documentary on the same subject. How did his experience with the real event shape his direction in this narrative film?
Alex is an expert on this story. I wouldn’t be surprised if he knew more about what happened than the people involved in the accident! His attention to detail and his patience was something that gave us great confidence and for this reason I can’t wait to see the next thing he makes!
The film delves deep into themes of survival and human resilience. How did you emotionally navigate these themes during filming?
I relied hugely on the creative people around me throughout shooting. I was also able to ask Chris some pretty intense questions which he answered frankly and with great emotional detail. It was then my job to do all of that justice on the day. It also helped massively to do all the diving for real. It allowed me to dive much deeper into Chris’ emotional state (if you’ll pardon the pun).
Considering the film’s setting in the North Sea, how did the filming locations and conditions contribute to the authenticity of the story?
We filmed at night in a big tank in Malta. A little warmer than the North Sea, but still pitch black and deep down. It played a huge role in ensuring the film felt claustrophobic and intense. You can’t fake the way the body moves in the water, so although it complicated certain aspects of the filming process, it really helped us achieve authenticity.
Is there a particular scene in ‘Last Breath’ that challenged you the most, either physically or emotionally?
Definitely the scene where Chris is coming to terms with and accepting his fate. It’s a strange headspace to sit in for so long. There were also technical lighting and framing challenges to contend with due to the location and plot. It’s hard to be told after a long take of giving it your all that the camera didn’t capture your performance because you haven’t lifted a light close enough to your face! Luckily the team were extremely communicative and articulate when directing me so we got there in the end. All in all it was a great challenge and one I won’t forget in a hurry.
full look. Valentino
opposite
shirt. Saint Laurent
full look. Valentino
opposite
shirt. Saint Laurent
top + skirt. You Wanna @ TATA LA
shoes. HAVVA
gloves. Bundi Store
opposite
jacket. Harbison
necklace + ring. COS
top + skirt. You Wanna @ TATA LA
shoes. HAVVA
gloves. Bundi Store
opposite
jacket. Harbison
necklace + ring. COS
Credits
“But I think sometimes you have to be a little insane,” says Australian actress and singer Aisha Dee as she explains having a “pie-in-the-sky thought” about becoming an actor at a young age despite not having any connection to the industry. Best known for playing Kat Edison on Freeform’s comedy drama ‘The Bold Type’, Dee has captivated audiences with her sharp wit, undeniable charm, and authentic voice across various projects exploring themes around social media, surveillance, and information overload, to name a few. But it is Dee’s latest role as Chanelle in Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar‘ that truly highlights her depth. Especially in a series where appearances reign supreme, and the obsession with identity reinvention is matched only by the art of deception. Throw in the fact the show was inspired by a true story, and surrounds a “wellness” guru and you welcome a little more insanity.
Schön! speaks with Dee about her year, her experiences as Kat and Chanelle, and her upcoming music.
bodysuit. Good American
shoes. KAUD @ TATA LA
necklace. CENDRÉ
tights. Wolford
opposite
shirt + trousers. Harbison
pearl choker. Sin by Mannei
bodysuit. Good American
shoes. KAUD @ TATA LA
necklace. CENDRÉ
tights. Wolford
opposite
shirt + trousers. Harbison
pearl choker. Sin by Mannei
Credits
How’s your year going so far?
Part of me is tired [Laughs]. Is it really going to be April? I feel we’ve established that time isn’t real [Laughs]. I feel like [this year has] been a whirlwind! Over the last few years, I’ve been going back and forth to Australia more than I used to. Initially, it was to be closer to my family, but now it’s kind of evolved into me really wanting to be there. Growing up, I didn’t always feel like I fit in, but now I’m finding a new appreciation for it. And I think it maybe took leaving and joining the circus to kind of find myself and become a bit more comfortable just occupying all of the different spaces within myself. It’s been really nice to reconnect my love for the place that I’m from.
That’s beautiful! When did you know you wanted to act?
I did [know I wanted to act] from a quite a young age – a very delusional child, I was. My favourite people are the delusional ones, honestly. A delusional adult, if you can believe it. I had this pie-in-the-sky thought that I would just be an actor and it would just work out despite not having any family connection to it or any of the resources to even get there. I think people thought I was a little bit insane, but I think sometimes you have to be a little insane. I think sometimes naivety can really be your friend when you’re trying to do something that people don’t expect or that doesn’t come easily to you.
I’ve just been kind of making it up as I go along and I kind of just have this mindset that I just want to work with really good people and enjoy a really good process. Whatever comes from that will come. I love all genres. I actually love movies and television and I just want to be a part of it. I just want to tell stories and I don’t really have any kind of limitations in my brain in terms of what it looks like.
You’ve played such a diverse range of roles. Let’s talk about ‘The Bold Type’.
‘The Bold Type’ is like the gift that keeps on giving. So many years later, people still really love that show. It’s amazing. It hit at an important time, and I think especially during the pandemic, it became this comfort show for people. It was aspirational but also predictable in a good way. It touches me that people still connect with it so much. I’ve been lucky to work across different genres, and I just love storytelling. I choose roles that I resonate with, roles that make me feel something. If I find myself feeling defensive over a character, like they’re my friend, and there is fire in my belly, then I know it’s the right one.
Do you feel that you felt that for Chanelle and how did ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ come about?
Oh, completely. I was on holiday when I got the script. I wasn’t in the mood to read anything because I was feeling a little depressed at the time, honestly. I got a call from someone on my team who said I should give this another look. So, I gradually decided to read the first 20 pages and I was absolutely hooked. I loved Chanelle right off the bat. She was my girl and I just kind of felt immediately obsessed with the story – and also outraged at what was happening. It really spoke to something kind of beyond just the character.
Out of all the characters, Chanelle had this really strong moral compass – a really strong sense of what was right and what was wrong. And then she also had some questionable morals herself. It was layered. I loved that she wasn’t completely virtuous, but that she was still kind of fighting for what she felt was right. She had that really comfortable relationship with her outrage and anger at the whole thing. In a way, I choose characters that I think will hopefully maybe teach me something. She really taught me to be honest and to say the truth even when it’s painful or scary.
The show really taps into the overwhelming amount of health information we see today. Was that part of what resonated with you?
Absolutely! There’s so much conflicting health advice, and trying to advocate for yourself can be exhausting. The show really captures that frustration.
jacket. Studio 83
denim + belt. Izakova
boots. HAVVA
opposite
shirt + trousers. Harbison
pearl choker. Sin by Mannei
jacket. Studio 83
denim + belt. Izakova
boots. HAVVA
opposite
shirt + trousers. Harbison
pearl choker. Sin by Mannei
Credits
How is Chanelle similar (or different) to Kat from ‘The Bold Type’
Yeah, I actually do think that there are some very strong similarities between Kat and Chanelle for sure. There’s strength to both of them. They [both] run towards the problem and I think in terms of their trauma response or their stress response, they’re [both] fighters for sure.
Is there anything you hope viewers will take away from watching ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’?
I have lots of thoughts on this. I feel it’s such an interesting show because I don’t know if it tonally really fits anywhere. It exists in this special place. And I’m always really apprehensive to say what people should take away from it. Maybe it’s just [about] that awareness that there is a lot of empathy put out there. I do hope that people leave the show feeling empowered and also a little bit less alone if they are feeling overwhelmed. I hope they feel empowered to advocate for themselves in the health and wellness space because they’re beautiful spaces.
You also have ‘Watching You’ coming up. What can you tell us about it?
It’s an adaptation of a book, an erotic thriller with psychological elements. Honestly, I think it’s really different, especially for Australian television. It is also very different, tonally, from anything I’ve ever done. But again, you know, I like playing characters with a little fire in their belly and characters that are willing to run towards the problem. Even though my roles have been of different genres, it seems there are common threads in them of privacy, power, and control.
How did you prepare for ‘Watching You’ compared to ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’?
‘Watching You’ was physically demanding. I had to do more stunts and physical stuff than I’ve ever had to do. I’m usually a yoga and Pilates girl. But it was really fun.
Finally, ‘One More Shot’ premiered at SXSW in Austin, Texas. How was your experience in that movie?
Honestly, I had the best time filming that movie. So silly and so fun. I thought, “Oh, this character doesn’t have to cry once. Fantastic.” I think I need to do a movie where I don’t have to do traumatic stuff. So, it was a nice little breath of fresh air between these quite heavy projects. I did it for that reason because I can’t keep digging into the trenches of my trauma for my work. I need to find some lightness and happiness. Actually, it’s taught me a lot about balance and rest.
Anything else you want to tell us?
I am working on new music! I’ve actually just started collaborating with friends that work in different mediums to create something together too. So, it’s not just an audio medium, but I’m working with my friends who are visual artists as well. I’m excited. It’s nice to have a creative endeavor that exists completely outside of any construct. It’s literally just me on my laptop, usually sitting on the floor with my keyboard. So yeah, the [new music] – it’s on its way. It’ll be out.
jacket. Studio 83
denim + belt. Izakova
boots. HAVVA
opposite
top + skirt. You Wanna
gloves. Bundi Store
jacket. Studio 83
denim + belt. Izakova
boots. HAVVA
opposite
top + skirt. You Wanna
gloves. Bundi Store
