Our shared passion - the stage
THEATRE husband her about Koobeshan her personality career and Naidoo Kamcilla how often she Naidoo struck share juggles the a balance stage motherhood for between the plays with work teaching they and have family. and produced. drama. She We and asked her
1. From When the did time you I was begin six, my a career parents in had the me entertainment believing that industry? I was the most talented person in the UDW district. campus So I I met danced, my husband sang and Koobeshan acted in various and fell concerts. head over While heels studying in love drama with him. at the then
2. The What fact that inspired my husband you to get and into I both stage shared productions? a passion for the stage and for writing. It was had marvellous our campus and buddy innovative Yugan Naidoo ideas and who is started still very a theatre much the group brain and behind asked the us operation to join. He of Dingalings.
3. As the director of many shows, where do you source material?
Current issues are the main focus of the shows. It ensures the audience finds the content relevant and worth watching. It also revolves around everyday life.
4. Your latest play What Women Want is dedicated to women. Without delving too much into the play, tell readers what it is about?
It’s about three generations of Indian women who represent the million mothers, grandmothers and women who have sacrificed to see their kids succeed. It is written by Koobeshan - a comedian. He beautifully crafts some amazing lesson through a funny script. But it has a serious message.
5. Your husband works quite closely with you. How would you describe this relationship?
It’s probably the reason we've stayed in theatre so long. Our work on stage together is a creative extension of our bond. He's certainly my other half and I definitely think I am entirely incomplete without him. We often bounce ideas off each other and get creative solutions.
6. Who has been your inspiration in your journey through the theatre?
I see dramatists and writers as healers. They heal society with words and inspire people to change. Our ability to make people laugh is indeed a gift that helps a conflict-ridden society come to terms with difficult and hard to swallow issues. We endeavour always to be responsible in teaching important lessons on sexism and helping audiences unlearn behaviour. My own solid religous beliefs inspire much of our work.
7. You are a full time teacher, mum and wife. How do you strike a balance?
Well, it takes a woman to be able to juggle all this. I am well organised and have an amazing support system - in-laws, my mother, siblings, a housekeeper, hairdresser and the best kids ever.
8. How will you be celebrating Women's Day?
For Better or Worse, celebrating
with At women the Catalina from all Theatre walks of watching life.