Paloma Pedrero loves every bit of the Capital; says people are great

The Spanish theatre actordirector, who is in Delhi for Of Stage Theatre Festival, talks about her first visit to India, its food and culture of theatre among young guns

The alumni list of Delhi University’s theatre groups boasts several celebrities from Bollywood such as filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap, actor Huma Qureshi to name a few. And it won’t be wrong to say that the Capital’s theatre scene as a whole has always attracted many from around the globe, too.

Paloma Pedrero, a Spanish playwright, theatre director and actor is attending the ongoing Of Stage Theatre Festival, in the Capital. As part of this she got a chance to work closely with the dramatic societies of various colleges, including Delhi University’s Indraprastha College for Women and St Stephen’s College.

Talking about the theatre scene in Capital, Pedrero says, “I think it’s great that universities welcome and support theatre associations for young students. Theatre works as a tool for awareness and transformation of reality, and is very important for the growth and awareness of young people. It offers evolution on their path of authenticity, truth, and art. My experience with the groups of the three universities has been rewarding. I am impressed by the level of their commitment to the texts of my work.”

Pedrero was also impressed to know the student’s points of view, and their opinion on when they were defending a character, developed by her. “It was really exciting to see their choices while exposing the conflicts implicit in my works such as relationships, human and professional issues, the emotions that emerge in the face of global misfortunes and the product of the experiences of our time. It was amazing.”

The eminent theatre artist says she felt lost in the beauty of Delhi. “I visited Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Old Delhi, Qutub Minar, Gandhi’s House, Lodhi Gardens. Everything is very beautiful, but I personally liked Humayun’s Tomb for the balance of its shapes, and its wonderful colours,” says Pedrero.

She tried some Indian food, too. “The aroma of Indian food is tempting but I don’t like to have too much spice. That’s why, I really liked korma and tandoori food with soft sauces,” she adds.

It is the first time that she is visiting India, and is loving every bit of it.“The people here within the chaotic city, are not as stressed out as others are in Europe. They often smile, and try to help foreigners. I appreciate the hospitality of people, because they offer it despite how little or much they may have,” she smiles.

I think it’s great that universities welcome and support theatre associations for young students. My experience with the groups of the three universities has been rewarding. I am impressed by the level of their commitment to the texts of my work.

THEATRE ACTOR AND DIRECTOR