Selena's arrival into the world was marked by the serene atmosphere of her grandmother's expansive rural estate, where the rich cultural heritage and folklore of the family's history were expertly woven into the fabric of daily life. The sounds of roosters crowing in the distance served as a gentle alarm clock for her grandmother, who would begin her day at dawn, tending to the land with dedication and care. As she worked, she would often pause to make a silent wish, her thoughts drifting down to the well where the family drew their water, as if the ancient stones held the power to manifest her deepest desires.
Meanwhile, Selena's great-grandmother would sit comfortably in her rocking chair, her hands moving deftly as she wove her own unique tapestry, the soft rustle of the fabric a soothing accompaniment to the gentle morning breeze. In a nod to their cultural diversity, Selena's parents, who had received a fashionable education in England, chose to name their daughter after the mythological figure of Artemis, while also giving her a Chinese name, a thoughtful tribute to their family's rich cultural heritage.
Selena's formative years were characterized by a rich tapestry of cultural influences, as the sounds of piano recitals and dance performances frequently filled the air, accompanied by the imaginative play of role-playing, where she would often assume the role of maestra to a group of classmates, and engage in intense detective work with her brothers, drawing inspiration from their heroes in the popular television show Hawaii Five-0. As she grew older, Selena's interests began to take shape, and she developed a profound appreciation for the ancient tales of Greek mythology, the dramatic works of Shakespeare, and the intricate art of Chinese calligraphy. In her academic pursuits, she demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for English Literature, ultimately earning the prestigious Dux of English Literature award during her high school years. Selena's involvement in school stage productions was also a significant aspect of her upbringing, with notable performances including A Midsummer's Night Dream and various musical theatre pieces, such as Hernando's Hideaway from The Pajama Game and Who Will Buy from Oliver.
Selena has achieved a remarkable academic feat by earning a dual degree in business and Italian, a testament to her exceptional academic prowess and versatility. Her academic ambitions, however, do not stop there, as she is diligently working towards completing a doctorate in science, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her studies.
Selena's foray into the world of entertainment began with her debut role as co-protagonist in the cult classic movie Wan 9 Zhao 5, a film that delved into the lives and loves of five teenage friends and their misadventures with sex, alcohol, and disco in the vibrant Lan Kwai Fong district of Hong Kong. This role marked the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry, and she has since made a name for herself as a talented and versatile actress.
Selena's academic pursuits have also taken her to the esteemed DAMS at Unibo Academy of Performing Arts, where she had the opportunity to study in Italian, further honing her language skills and cultural knowledge. Her time at Unibo Academy of Performing Arts was made possible by the Utrecht scholarship, a prestigious award that recognized her exceptional academic achievements and potential.
Selena's acting career has been marked by a diverse range of roles in various mediums, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
In the 2003 film Go Go Tales, directed by Abel Ferrara, Selena plays a young music student at the prestigious Juilliard School, who works as a go-go dancer at night to finance her tuition. This role highlights her ability to embody complex characters and navigate different environments.
In the action-packed film Two Tigers, Selena takes on the role of a Kung-fu fighting prostitute, who forms an unlikely bond with a female assassin. As the story unfolds, Selena's character ultimately seeks revenge against the man who betrays her, demonstrating her capacity to convey strength and determination.
In addition to her work in film, Selena has also explored the world of theatre, most notably in the production of Mathematics and the Impertinent, directed by Fabio Massimo Iaquone. In this digital meta-theatre production, Selena plays the on-stage assistant to renowned author and logic professor, Piergiorgio Odifreddi. This experience has allowed her to hone her skills in a live performance setting and collaborate with innovative artists in the digital theatre space.
The production, which embarked on a two-year journey across Italy and Switzerland, delves into the profound and thought-provoking themes of existentialism and religion, all while incorporating the fascinating realm of mathematical logic.
Odifreddi, the esteemed Director of the Festival of Mathematics in Rome, brings his expertise and passion for mathematics to the forefront, expertly weaving together the complex concepts of existentialism and religion with the precision and clarity of mathematical logic.