DRAMA QUEEN
MICHELLE HERFT
When Michelle Herft is fully in character, she’s pure magic. Intense, mesmerising and unbelievably powerful, each role is better than the last whether it be on stage or film. It’s no wonder then that this mum of two boys donned the crown for Best Actress for her portrayal of Sera in the Sinhala-language dark comedy Que Sera at the Derana Film Awards 2015.
She was also nominated Best Actress in her film debut as Amanda in Prasanna Jayakody’s Karma. Her friends aptly describe Michelle as a ‘drama queen.’ Acting, painting, and even dabbling in stage and film productions give her an immense high; and she’s even tried her hand at journalism, TV commercials and public relations in the past.
But it’s teaching that seems to embrace her whole being. Having grown up drowning in books, her love for English literature took Herft into the highly competitive university system. Michelle read for a BA in English at the University of Kelaniya where she absorbed all she could from a cohort of amazing academics – including Dr. Manique Gunasekera who inspired her to become an educator.
In June, Michelle represented Sri Lanka in the Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) programme for secondary educators in the US. She also holds diplomas in French, journalism and communication, and is an Associate in Speech and Drama of Trinity College London.
Innately attracted to colour and beauty, and with an ability to see things differently, she wears her happy persona like a smiling mask. But no matter when or where, there’s always a whirring in her head, which is swimming with new ideas – and this is easily noticed if she’s biting her nails. Herft confesses to a genuine phobia of banks, has an abnormal fear of crossing roads and suffers from heightened acrophobia.
I work with people whom I respect and trust. So I have fun with everyone who believes in me and can bring out the best in me
My #MeToo moments have succeeded in hardening me and have helped me protect those who are potentially in danger
Q: What’s keeping you busy these days?
A: Finding new methods of engaging students by looking for opportunities to expose them to the beauty of literature, drawing, painting and acting.
Q: And what has been your most challenging moment? A: Dealing with failure. I went through a major personal shift, which helped me examine myself and work on improving my shortcomings. Being a mother is also challenging especially when I want to do so much with my life. Having to deal with the untimely death of a very dear friend made me realise that life is short and should be lived to the fullest.
Q: Who have you had most fun working with?
A: I work with people whom I respect and trust. So I have fun with everyone who believes in me and can bring out the best in me.
Q: Have you ever had a #MeToo moment in your career?
A: Several times in life but not in my career. I have been blessed with remarkable bosses and directors who have respected me. My #MeToo moments have succeeded in hardening me and have helped me protect those who are potentially in danger.
Q: If you had a dream role, what would it be? A: Paulina Salas in Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden.
Q: How’s your painting coming along?
A: I started painting after ages. I have an issue with time – I wish the day had more hours!
Q: What’s hot and what’s not about Sri Lanka’s education system?
A: I love the fact that education is free as I myself am a product of free education – I earned my degree from a local university. But I hate the fact students aren’t empowered to think differently and need to sit exams that encourage rote learning.
Q: If you could change it, what would you do?
A: If I had the chance to transform the education system, I would first change the way in which the curriculum is taught and introduce new methodologies. I would also encourage a system similar to the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Q: Your favourite R&R is…? A: Being in good company with good music in an environment that has positive vibes.
Q: What’s your biggest secret? A: I am incredibly shy.
Q: Your three must-haves are…? A: My sons and loved ones, chocolate and intellectual activity.
Q: Name three things in your handbag… A: Lip-gloss, phone and wallet.
Q: What do your children say about their famous mum? A: Nothing really; I don’t impress them much.
Q: And what is your ‘alone time’ like?
A: I like to read or sometimes go for a long walk but rarely get to be alone.
Q: So what do you look for in a life partner? A: Someone who is trustworthy, a person whom I can respect, and who respects and understands me.
Q: What’s ‘family time’ for you? A: Going out for a movie and then a good meal. I also love spending quality time with my sons whenever possible.
Q: And what’s a typical day like for you?
A: School, classes, children, practice or rehearsals and time spent with my loved ones.
Q: If you had the power to make one change in the world, what would it be? A: To make people respect and treat one another with kindness.
Q: How would you like to see the world in 10 years’ time? A: Developed yet considerate of nature.
Q: What’s your greatest ambition?
A: To find happiness, and reach my full potential in drama and teaching.
I love the fact that education is free as I myself am a product of free education – I earned my degree from a local university