Homeopath finds remedy for love of the stage
DURBAN homeopath Madhueshwaree Maharaj will take a leap from the lecture theatre to the stage for the first time in 24 years in the upcoming play For Better or Worse.
The 42-year-old practising homeopath and Durban University of Technology lecturer said the thought of indulging a long-neglected talent still had the power to leave her giddy with excitement.
“The last time I did a stage production would have been when I was in matric in 1990,” said Maharaj.
“Although I have a medical background, I’m passionate about theatre — it’s my first love. I did drama in high school but took a different career path. However, I remained an avid follower of theatre.”
Maharaj portrays Veena, an uptight academic in the production written and directed by Koobeshen Naidoo.
She stars alongside more experienced actors Kumseela Naidoo and Verushka Odayen.
“We show powerful women in difficult situations and how they deal with them. It’s a play about three women who are very distinct characters. They are three sisters-in-law married to three brothers. You have your typical partygoer who is a very forthright and assertive, modern woman. Then you have the older one who is a bit of an ice queen, a snob — she’s an academic and all that. The third lady is a typical housewife, a worrywart. The play is about their journey through life and the conflicts that they deal with.”
Although I have a medical background, I’m passionate about theatre — it’s my first love
Maharaj became involved with the production three months ago.
“I knew Kumseela Naidoo and Koobeshan Naidoo. I had mentioned to them a long time ago that I was interested in working with them.
“This year, they called me and Kumseela asked if I was willing to do a script reading. So I did and we took it from there.”
Maharaj is having fun, although there are challenges. “It’s hectic. Rehearsals are every evening from 5.30pm to 7pm and sometimes go on until about 8.30pm, 9pm. But we make the time.”
The support of her family keeps her going.
“My husband is 100% behind me. He said to me ‘it’s your artistic expression’, but then he’s an artist, a designer. He’s just happy to see me break out of my stereotypical role.
“With regard to acting, it has been challenging — like a reawakening — because I had to remind myself that I can’t just speak casually. I have to act this role. So, as opposed to speaking casually and giving advice, as I find myself doing daily, I have to now act the role.”
Maharaj is looking forward to the play’s run at Durban’s Catalina Theatre from May 1 to 18.
“All my patients and students are going to be watching. It shows that, even as a medical person or a lecturer, you can have another life.”
Tickets are R100 through Computicket or (031) 837-5999.