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Headline:

Laura Barnett interviews Paulette Randall, director of Tamasha theatre company

Synopsis:

What got you started?I wrote a play for a young writers' festival at the Royal Court Theatre in London. When I watched the director, Danny Boyle, working with the actors, I thought: "That looks like fun."Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?Nothing. I believe too much in what I do for it to feel like a sacrifice. Will people still remember your work in 1,000 years' time?Probably not, because my work is all about a live experience - being in the theatre and engaging with the actors. What's your favourite film?Black Shack Alley, made in Martinique in 1983. It takes you on a fantastic emotional journey. Are you fashionable?I don't care either way. I'm not in theatre in order to be fashionable. I'm in it to do work that's valid and needed. What one song would feature on the soundtrack to your life?Kinky Reggae by Bob Marley. The lyrics don't really make sense, and neither do I. Do you suffer for your art?I don't believe in suffering for anything. I like hard work, but suffering doesn't bring out the best in anybody. What's the greatest threat to theatre today?That it fails to embrace new voices. If we're going to be a truly multicultural society, then we need to have the courage to explore, in theatre, experiences that feel alien to our own. What advice would you give a young director?Watch movies, read plays, go to art galleries, go dancing, listen to music, and sit and listen to people's conversations without getting caught. You can use it all in the rehearsal room. What keeps you awake at night?Lack of money. Is there anything about your career you regret? For a while, I regretted deciding to take my name off the musical Five Guys Named Moe [as its original director]. I felt I was denying all the work I had done. But in the end, it made me stronger.What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?The actor, writer and director Yvonne Brewster told me to allow myself thinking time. So I have a 24-hour rule: I never make any big decisions without thinking about it for a day.In shortBorn: London, 1961 Career: Is the former artistic director of the London-based Talawa company, specialising in black British theatre. Her recent productions include What's in the Cat at the Contact Theatre, Manchester, and Radio Golf at the Tricycle, London. Up Against the Wall is at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton (01204 520661), from January 29.High point: "Right now."Theatreguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2008 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Publish date:

11 November 2008

Author:

Laura Barnett

Source:

The Guardian

Media:

Access Interview