Local siblings to perform internationally
SIBLINGS Lavanya and Timir Pyladh always knew they were gifted with special talents, and now they’re getting the chance to put them to the test in front of leading professionals, from across the US.
The pair will be jetting off to Orlando, Florida, on Friday to perform at the Applause Rising Talent Showcase (Arts), an international platform for aspiring artists.
The siblings, from Mount Edgecombe, will also attend a workshop at the New York Film Academy, where they will receive coaching on acting, before their audition in Florida, which starts on July 31.
They will be travelling with a team of artists from Just You Team.
Lavanya, 17, who attends Crawford College, will perform in acting, dancing, creative runway, commercial, improvisation, monologue and film scene categories.The excited teen said she had a passion to perform.
“I started performing on stage, in drama and dance productions, at the age of 7 and recently performed at the Mzansi Arts competition and won the overall Top Dancer Award.”
She said her dream was to feature in one of the Step Up franchise movies.
Timir, 20, who is currently studying towards a business science degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, also models part-time.
He will showcase his talent in acting, singing, creative runway, commercial, improvisation, monologue and film scene.
“I enjoy performing in my spare time. I always attend shoots and shows and it helps with networking,” he said.
He said his role model was US-based comedian Trevor Noah.
“I like how he stays proudly South African despite leaving the country.”
Their parents, George and Ashira, said they had supported their children and allowed them to follow the fields they were passionate about.
“Lavanya is a dynamite on stage. She is amazing to watch and always takes the stage by storm,” said George. “Timir is a natural. He is not as outspoken but is a hard worker and worked hard for his opportunity.”
The siblings auditioned for an opportunity to participate in Arts at The Playhouse last year and were selected to perform at the International Arts Talent Showcase (Iats) by a talent agent from the US, Kim Myers. Shortly after their performances, last October, they received a call back to perform at Arts and, in preparation, have attended two boot camps.
“My dream is to wow everyone there. I also want to make an impact and further myself in this field. I want to see myself on the silver screen one day,” said Lavanya, whose favourite actresses are Emma Watson (from the Harry Potter franchise) and Bollywood A-lister Ashwariya Rai-Bachchan.
Timir said that if he had an opportunity, he would love to act alongside Dan Schneider.
They will return home in the first week of August.