Comedy with a message
Theshen Naicker’s alter ego takes to stage in a social critique tackling issues – the good, the bad and the hilarious – with a strong emphasis on woman empowerment, writes
AUNTY Sheila is definitely one tough cookie who doesn’t mince her words. She will be stringing out pearls of wisdom in her latest comedy show, Aunty Sheila You’re Hired, next weekend – where she shatters the glass ceiling for women in the workforce.
Durban-born Theshen Naicker, 32, is the man behind Sheila – who has become an internet sensation. Sheila is Naicker’s alter ego – who he has brought to life through social media and has now taken to the stage.
“Sheila (55) is a wife, mother and grandmother,” said Naicker. “She’s a family orientated, loving and good person. She sees the social evils in society and tries to confront them in a light-hearted, comedic manner. My grandmother, Rajama Moodley, was my inspiration for Sheila – she was a strong, opinionated woman, who never minced her words.”
When his grandmother died in
2016, he wanted to keep her legacy alive and that led to his first video, which he released to friends and family on his Facebook page.
Since then Sheila has attracted local and international viewers. Her videos have even been shared on Facebook page of Bollywood fashion designer, Vikram Phadnis. Naicker said Sheila is unique because she’s the voice of women across the world, who want to break the silence and speak their minds – but are too afraid.
Naicker is a psychology graduate and used to be a lecturer until Sheila’s character shot to fame. He has since started up his production company,