Zlata Waldheim
Encyclopedia
Zlata Waldheim is a fictional character on the New Zealand
soap opera
Shortland Street
and has been portrayed by Kate Elliott
since her debut as a love interest for established character Luke Durville
(Gerald Urquhart) in August 2011.
Zlata arrived alongside fiance Luke in August 2011, following Luke's 4 month break and she quickly causes a stir amongst the characters, becoming threatening to Luke's admirer Vasa
(Teuila Blakely) and upsetting Bella Cooper
(Amelia Reid) with her treatment of Luke. Zlata's storyline then revolved around her organizing the wedding and ensuring everything went along with her culture. Her "feisty" personality caused her to clash with both Bella and Luke numerous times meaning the wedding's possible cancellation. Her dress sense reflects her personality and culture and is described as "gothic
". The character and Luke are both written heavily comical, something which pleased Elliott and persuaded her to accept the role.
bride". In August 2011 it was announced acclaimed actress Kate Elliott
would be joining Shortland Street later in the month. Elliott was pleased to get the role, saying; "I've always wanted to be on the show - I watched it religiously as a kid - and I'm so grateful for the opportunity". Upon her arrival, it was announced Zlata was a love interest for established character, Luke Durville
. The character was written as subtly comedic which Elliott praised, saying: "I get a lot of gothic, vampiric roles but this is funny. The writers have done a really good job." Producer Steven Zanoski was surprised that a high calibre actor such as Elliott auditioned but was impressed by her convincing Romanian accent and the way she picked up on the character's funny nuances. He stated; "It was interesting to watch her transform herself from this very affable and collegial actor into this crazy Eastern European woman." The character was set to be on screen for 4 months and cause a stir upon arrival.
(Gerald Urquhart) whom she met while he was traveling in her country of Romania
. She instantly gets on the badside of Luke's good friend Bella Cooper
(Amelia Reid) when she appears to be using Luke for his money but nonetheless gets a job working alongside her at reception. When Zlata learns Luke lost respect because of a false drug addiction claim, she drastically redesigns his dress sense and house so as he gets more respected. Zlata is devastated when Luke refuses to allow their children to grow up Catholic
but after Zlata reveals her emotional side, Luke agrees. Zlata shocks Luke, Bella and Lana (Brooke Williams
) when she announces Luke must pay a hefty sum so her father can attend the ceremony.
, Zlata quickly begins to show signs of her true character such as pretending to be sick so as to not make dinner and breaking down to get on Bella's goodside. Another antagonistic side of Zlata is shown when she learns of Luke's social stigma following his apparent drug addiction and she forces him to drastically change his appearance and lifestyle to that of a well respected man and someone that is "normal". Her religious side is highly prevalent with Zlata insisting on her wedding with Luke being at a church and run as it would be in Catholic faith and the two falling out over Luke's refusal to raise their children religiously. Zlata's dedication to her family is also shown with her disappointment that her parents would not attend the ceremony if it was not religious and her devastation when she learns her sister Edina, can not attend the ceremony. A kind side of Zlata is shown when she forgives Bella for putting too much pressure on her. Elliot's co star, Phil Peleton stated that Zlata was blunt and a straight shooter.
Zlata's dress sense reflects her personality, being "dark" and "gothic". The character was written as "comedic".
. Luke is shown to be deeply smitten and willing to do anything for his fiance. Urquhart enjoyed this saying; "It's lot of fun to play the kind of romance. Luke has suffered from unrequited love for a long time, so it's great to have some love being given back to him." Zlata is desperate to impress and tricks Luke's friend Bella
into cooking a dinner party for Luke's friends so they would warm to her. Bella grows scared that Zlata is a gold digger and that she married Luke for money, which is only further backed when Zlata becomes devastated to learn Luke has a low social status due to being framed as a drug addict and forces Luke to undergo a drastic makeover. Both Zlata and Luke grow furious when Bella interferes in their relationship but the couple stay together despite her meddling. Whilst discussing plans for their marriage, Zlata grows disconcerted when she learns Luke does not want a Catholic Marriage
, nor does he want their children to grow up religious. An emotional Zlata visits a confessional
and does not realize Luke is the priest whilst she confesses her heartfelt sympathies about her upcoming marriage. Luke comes around to her understanding and agrees to raise their children Catholic. Luke and Zlata later decide to make Bella both their bridesmaid and best man. Luke is happy when Zlata decides to postpone the wedding so Luke's brother Rafe and girlfriend Tania
can attend. However Zlata reveals to Luke her father is in trouble with the Romanian government and a large sum of money is needed to get him back. Lana and Bella think it is suspicious but Luke insists he believes Zlata and would do anything for love. Phil Peleton who was cast as Zlata's father Costel stated that he thought Luke needed to work harder to keep Zlata, saying; "Luke is no Romanian man and that's a good thing in some ways, but I think he needs to lift his game and man up a bit if he wants to keep Zlata".
Romanian family. Despite numerous mentions to family throughout her first two months, no members of her family make an appearance. In October Zlata makes mention of a sister named Edina who can not attend the ceremony and later an uncle named Alda who she shares stories with Luke about. In October Zlata mentions her father and brother numerous times. In October 2011 it was announced Phil Peleton was joining the cast later in the month as the character of Costel Waldheim, Zlata's father. Peleton thought the character was a difficult role, stating; "He has a slightly hazy past in Romania but he has come over for Zlata's wedding - to see his precious girl married and happily settled down. He's a dad on a mission and having lots of fun while he's here."
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Shortland Street
Shortland Street
Shortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
and has been portrayed by Kate Elliott
Kate Elliott (actress)
Kate Elliott is an actress.She was born in and currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand. She has acted in television series and films since she was about 14 as well as numerous advertisements on New Zealand television....
since her debut as a love interest for established character Luke Durville
Luke Durville
Dr. Luke Durville is a fictional character on New Zealand's long-running soap opera, Shortland Street. Durville has been played by Gerald Urquhart since the character's first appearance on 14 September 2007 and appears sporadically each year often disappearing from four to eleven months at a...
(Gerald Urquhart) in August 2011.
Zlata arrived alongside fiance Luke in August 2011, following Luke's 4 month break and she quickly causes a stir amongst the characters, becoming threatening to Luke's admirer Vasa
Vasa Levi
Vasa Levi is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She is portrayed by Teuila Blakely since her first appearance in July 2010...
(Teuila Blakely) and upsetting Bella Cooper
Bella Cooper
Isabella "Bella" Cooper is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She has been portrayed by Amelia Reid since her arrival in September 2010 as the oldest sibling in the Cooper family unit.-Introduction:...
(Amelia Reid) with her treatment of Luke. Zlata's storyline then revolved around her organizing the wedding and ensuring everything went along with her culture. Her "feisty" personality caused her to clash with both Bella and Luke numerous times meaning the wedding's possible cancellation. Her dress sense reflects her personality and culture and is described as "gothic
Goth subculture
The goth subculture is a contemporary subculture found in many countries. It began in England during the early 1980s in the gothic rock scene, an offshoot of the post-punk genre. The goth subculture has survived much longer than others of the same era, and has continued to diversify...
". The character and Luke are both written heavily comical, something which pleased Elliott and persuaded her to accept the role.
Creation and Casting
The original pitch for the character of Zlata was; "Luke's perfect idea of a vampireVampire
Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person...
bride". In August 2011 it was announced acclaimed actress Kate Elliott
Kate Elliott (actress)
Kate Elliott is an actress.She was born in and currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand. She has acted in television series and films since she was about 14 as well as numerous advertisements on New Zealand television....
would be joining Shortland Street later in the month. Elliott was pleased to get the role, saying; "I've always wanted to be on the show - I watched it religiously as a kid - and I'm so grateful for the opportunity". Upon her arrival, it was announced Zlata was a love interest for established character, Luke Durville
Luke Durville
Dr. Luke Durville is a fictional character on New Zealand's long-running soap opera, Shortland Street. Durville has been played by Gerald Urquhart since the character's first appearance on 14 September 2007 and appears sporadically each year often disappearing from four to eleven months at a...
. The character was written as subtly comedic which Elliott praised, saying: "I get a lot of gothic, vampiric roles but this is funny. The writers have done a really good job." Producer Steven Zanoski was surprised that a high calibre actor such as Elliott auditioned but was impressed by her convincing Romanian accent and the way she picked up on the character's funny nuances. He stated; "It was interesting to watch her transform herself from this very affable and collegial actor into this crazy Eastern European woman." The character was set to be on screen for 4 months and cause a stir upon arrival.
2011-
Zlata arrives in August 2011, announcing herself as the fiance of Luke DurvilleLuke Durville
Dr. Luke Durville is a fictional character on New Zealand's long-running soap opera, Shortland Street. Durville has been played by Gerald Urquhart since the character's first appearance on 14 September 2007 and appears sporadically each year often disappearing from four to eleven months at a...
(Gerald Urquhart) whom she met while he was traveling in her country of Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
. She instantly gets on the badside of Luke's good friend Bella Cooper
Bella Cooper
Isabella "Bella" Cooper is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She has been portrayed by Amelia Reid since her arrival in September 2010 as the oldest sibling in the Cooper family unit.-Introduction:...
(Amelia Reid) when she appears to be using Luke for his money but nonetheless gets a job working alongside her at reception. When Zlata learns Luke lost respect because of a false drug addiction claim, she drastically redesigns his dress sense and house so as he gets more respected. Zlata is devastated when Luke refuses to allow their children to grow up Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
but after Zlata reveals her emotional side, Luke agrees. Zlata shocks Luke, Bella and Lana (Brooke Williams
Brooke Williams
Brooke Williams is a New Zealand actress, best known for playing Jennsen Rahl in Legend of the Seeker and Aurelia in Spartacus: Blood and Sand.-Career:...
) when she announces Luke must pay a hefty sum so her father can attend the ceremony.
Characterisation
Zlata is described as "feisty" and is shown to be heavily religious and also family orientated. Pleased to have a friend in BellaBella Cooper
Isabella "Bella" Cooper is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She has been portrayed by Amelia Reid since her arrival in September 2010 as the oldest sibling in the Cooper family unit.-Introduction:...
, Zlata quickly begins to show signs of her true character such as pretending to be sick so as to not make dinner and breaking down to get on Bella's goodside. Another antagonistic side of Zlata is shown when she learns of Luke's social stigma following his apparent drug addiction and she forces him to drastically change his appearance and lifestyle to that of a well respected man and someone that is "normal". Her religious side is highly prevalent with Zlata insisting on her wedding with Luke being at a church and run as it would be in Catholic faith and the two falling out over Luke's refusal to raise their children religiously. Zlata's dedication to her family is also shown with her disappointment that her parents would not attend the ceremony if it was not religious and her devastation when she learns her sister Edina, can not attend the ceremony. A kind side of Zlata is shown when she forgives Bella for putting too much pressure on her. Elliot's co star, Phil Peleton stated that Zlata was blunt and a straight shooter.
Zlata's dress sense reflects her personality, being "dark" and "gothic". The character was written as "comedic".
Relationship with Luke
During an interview in August 2010, Gerald Urquhart who portrays eccentric anathaetist stated his dream storyline would see Luke fall head over heels in love, saying; "I would really like to see Luke in love, I would enjoy playing a love-struck Durville being led astray." Upon Zlata's arrival it is revealed she has become engaged to Luke while he was traveling in her home country of RomaniaRomania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
. Luke is shown to be deeply smitten and willing to do anything for his fiance. Urquhart enjoyed this saying; "It's lot of fun to play the kind of romance. Luke has suffered from unrequited love for a long time, so it's great to have some love being given back to him." Zlata is desperate to impress and tricks Luke's friend Bella
Bella Cooper
Isabella "Bella" Cooper is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She has been portrayed by Amelia Reid since her arrival in September 2010 as the oldest sibling in the Cooper family unit.-Introduction:...
into cooking a dinner party for Luke's friends so they would warm to her. Bella grows scared that Zlata is a gold digger and that she married Luke for money, which is only further backed when Zlata becomes devastated to learn Luke has a low social status due to being framed as a drug addict and forces Luke to undergo a drastic makeover. Both Zlata and Luke grow furious when Bella interferes in their relationship but the couple stay together despite her meddling. Whilst discussing plans for their marriage, Zlata grows disconcerted when she learns Luke does not want a Catholic Marriage
Catholic marriage
Catholic marriage, also called matrimony, is a "covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring...
, nor does he want their children to grow up religious. An emotional Zlata visits a confessional
Confessional
A confessional is a small, enclosed booth used for the Sacrament of Penance, often called confession, or Reconciliation. It is the usual venue for the sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church, but similar structures are also used in Anglican churches of an Anglo-Catholic orientation, and also in the...
and does not realize Luke is the priest whilst she confesses her heartfelt sympathies about her upcoming marriage. Luke comes around to her understanding and agrees to raise their children Catholic. Luke and Zlata later decide to make Bella both their bridesmaid and best man. Luke is happy when Zlata decides to postpone the wedding so Luke's brother Rafe and girlfriend Tania
Tania Jeffries
Tania Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Tania Jeffries is the younger sister to nurse Maia Jeffries, PA Libby Jeffries and daughter of hospital receptionist, Yvonne Jefferies...
can attend. However Zlata reveals to Luke her father is in trouble with the Romanian government and a large sum of money is needed to get him back. Lana and Bella think it is suspicious but Luke insists he believes Zlata and would do anything for love. Phil Peleton who was cast as Zlata's father Costel stated that he thought Luke needed to work harder to keep Zlata, saying; "Luke is no Romanian man and that's a good thing in some ways, but I think he needs to lift his game and man up a bit if he wants to keep Zlata".
Family
Zlata is a heavily family orientated character, coming from a strong CatholicCatholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
Romanian family. Despite numerous mentions to family throughout her first two months, no members of her family make an appearance. In October Zlata makes mention of a sister named Edina who can not attend the ceremony and later an uncle named Alda who she shares stories with Luke about. In October Zlata mentions her father and brother numerous times. In October 2011 it was announced Phil Peleton was joining the cast later in the month as the character of Costel Waldheim, Zlata's father. Peleton thought the character was a difficult role, stating; "He has a slightly hazy past in Romania but he has come over for Zlata's wedding - to see his precious girl married and happily settled down. He's a dad on a mission and having lots of fun while he's here."