Jina Langu ni Kulola Mlaghui

YOUR NAME AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

My name is Kulola Mlaghui …

What do I do..hmmmm the question should be what don’t I do?

-I am an actress,a director,makeup artist,content creator….in short I am an artiste.

-I am running a Program called SANNA SKILLS that is geared empowering young artistes from the ages of 19-25,by teaching them life skills.

-I am also currently working with a group of four skilled individuals ,passionate about all things art,and we are launching an initiative called THE SILENT ITCH,whose aim is also to empower the youth through theatre and the arts.

-I’m also a student(gumbaru) hahaha..

studying theatre and globalization online  the University of Munich

And  Terrorism and counter terrorism:comparing theory and practice from the University of  Leiden

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE PERFORMING ARTS?

I got into performing arts at a very young age…but more seriously when I was older,because I was looking for Carthsis after a painful experience I went through…and after I got over it,I guess the bug had bitten me,the passion never left,and here I am.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WEREN’T PERFORMING?

I would be a farmer I guess…Running around after my chicken..Barefoot..BUT

I really haven’t thought about that in a long time….because I’ve been doing this for a while now…there doesn’t seem to be any other options for me at least..because this is where my heart is ..

ARE THERE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO AUDITION?

*Forget about the lines,they are looking for personality and the bones of the character you’re auditioning for.

*Ask questions,BUT ONLY when ABSOLUTELY necessary.

*Listen and react,think and respond,be real…don’t just prattle your lines off for the sake of it.

*Be flexible-be able to take direction well.

*Remember you are a person first and actor second-when hiring,most casting directors look for personality as much as performance…

HOW MUCH DO YOU PRACTICE WHEN YOU GET A NEW PART OR A NEW PIECE TO PERFORM?

This question is very tricky…because it depends on the complexity of the script and the directors discretion….I’ve had as much as two months and as little as one week..So it all depends really.

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO BEFORE GETTING ON STAGE?

*My one hour quiet time….though these days it’s getting increasingly difficult because of doubling up as producer as well.

*Listening to my pre show classical music list..it soothes me..

*The syke sessions.

WHAT CAN WE DO AS SOCIETY IN MOMBASA TO HELP THE THEATRE INDUSTRY

My my…where to start.

*By encouraging forums that discuss the importance of theatre and artistes

*The government should engage itself in projects that will attract the private sector in the preservation of theatre buildings to meet the needs and demands of the industry and audience.

*The private sector should come in to sponsor plays,help create employment and awareness .

*attend plays…make sure we support the theatre.

*encourage young people who aspire to be in the theatre to follow their dreams.

There are so many things that can be done,apart from the ones I have highlighted but I think the first and most important thing is DIALOGUE between the public,private sector and theatre practitioners to forge a way forward.

IF YOU HAD UNLIMITED RESOURCES TO MARKET A PLAY, HOW WOULD YOU DO IT?

Unlimited resources…..the word itself is mind boggling ..

But if I didn’t have to pinch pennies,I’d

-Create  a press strategy, which would  incredibly specific: it details what the media pitch might be; what newspapers or websites would be a good fit for promoting the production,that would include hiring a digital media marketing team.

-Work with Local photographers can who can do cast photos shoots for program biographies and production images for all promotional materials.

-Engage coprates, have a digital media campaign..

etc etc

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF 10 YEARS FROM NOW?

Ten years from now,I see myself owning a creative center,where art can be taught and practiced in a holistic manner.

PARTING SHOT

Art is sacred it’s a calling,it’s not something to be entered into lightly.Without thought.

Art is also a business one that should should be able to pay your bills.

So in as much as we focus on the business artistic integrity should also be an important factor.

An artist should strive to enhance talent by learning his craft.

Artists should unite so that we have a voice that will be able to push for legislation that will empower artistes.

Infighting,backbiting and will not solve the problems we have.

Once we unite we will be able to engage others to support art and develop it,so that it can take its rightful place in Kenya economy.