Voila! Theatre Festival is London’s panlingual festival that celebrates emerging artists from all different backgrounds and cultures. The festival runs across eight London venues until 23rd November. I have caught up with the team just after the end of their play Mendaki had been performed at Cockpit Theatre on 4th Nov 7 pm & 8th Nov 5pm.
Is the Voila Theatre Festival your production’s debut performance?
It is. It was actually meant to be a re-telling of my first solo show, but things changed, new questions are bothering me, so the re-telling became the genesis of a new piece. It’s playful, slightly absurd and I think way more fun than the show I was meant to do.
Who has been your inspiration from the Theatre world?
The late Jonathan Lim from Singapore. He was my mentor and friend. I admired his passion, his enthusiasm for making work that is honest and authentic and setting high standards. He doesn’t believe in short cuts. He believed that you need to invest time and effort to perfect your craft, or at least get to the best version of it. We don’t always see eye to eye, but those values he imparted to me, are what I hold on to.
What is your least favourite part of the Theatre industry?
I guess when Industry folks – who are part of a venue or company, and are on a payroll – ask for comps to a fringe show. When tickets cost less than £15 or £20. I know times are tough, but most of us who are doing fringe shows will be out of pocket by the end. Some of us have had funding bids rejected, and are struggling to make ends meet when making a show. Asking for a comp takes away from our earnings.
What’s your favourite part of the Theatre industry?
When people who preach and write about supporting the industry actually show up. It’s not a very long list; but it’s always good to know there are good, sincere people still around. Faith in humanity restored.
What one piece of advice would you pass onto new Theatre students?
Never be afraid to take risks.
Do you have rituals that you do before each performance?
I do my warm-ups, check my props, costumes and set are in place, and say a prayer. I like a bit of quiet before I go on. And remind myself to have fun.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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