MONIQUE WILSON celebrates her 30th year in theater with the local staging of the controversial one-woman play, ?My Name is Rachel Corrie,? which ends its limited run Saturday night at Music Museum (call 896-5497). It?s easy to see why the award-winning production ignites the actress? passion as actress and activist.

Monique may have done more than 150 plays in her lifetime, but she says portraying the American activist is one of the most fulfilling?and inspiring! During a break in the play?s rigorous rehearsals early this week, we asked Monique some questions:

What is the hardest thing about playing Rachel Corrie?

The most difficult is ensuring that Rachel?s words are served with truth and dignity. All the words in the play are hers, from her diaries and letters?there?s nothing fabricated, so there should also be no fabrication in terms of emotions. The important thing is to see her observations and experiences from her point of view, and to connect with them.

In the end, it didn?t seem difficult, because I share her views about the suffering of the Palestinian people?I empathize in a similar way! There?s a feeling of horror, disbelief, disappointment, rage?and, as an artist, an overwhelming need to do something meaningful to make their constant suffering visible to others.

Which actresses do you admire?

Two names come to mind: Vanessa Redgrave is my heroine! She?s always been a political activist and a superb actress?she plumbs every character?s soul. She was one of the first celebrities who went to Palestine and spoke up about the injustices happening there when no one else was brave enough to do so?and that was still in the ?80s!

She suffered a backlash from America, which banned her from Broadway and Hollywood for years. But, such is her spectacular gift that they couldn?t really suppress her talent for long.

I admire her courage?she was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. She makes me think about what I would be willing to stand up for?and how far I?d go to fight for it. But, I believe it?s also these qualities?empathy, compassion, etc.?

that make her the great actress she is.

My dream of meeting her came true when she invited me to perform with her in London at a fundraising concert for orphans in 1992. She was everything I thought she?d be?humble, inspiring and real.

Like Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Fonda stood up for what she believed in (she spoke up against the evils of war) and, for a while, her career also suffered for it?but not for long. She is still considered one of Hollywood?s iconic actresses.

Jane has become a friend, because she is on the board of VDay?the movement spearheaded by Eve Ensler (?The Vagina Monologues?). She continues to work tirelessly to end violence against women and children. I first met her at the VDay summit in Rome. Her warmth was humbling. I performed with her at VDay?s 10th anniversary show in New Orleans?and she hasn?t changed. She?s amazing!