“Even when you’re little, you are able to do lots.” This poignant line from Matilda: The Musical, impressed by Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel, completely encapsulates the journey of the proficient younger actresses – Yolani Balfour, Donna Craig, and Myla Williams – getting into the highlight as Matilda within the award-winning musical.
Crafted with a ebook by Dennis Kelly and unique songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda: The Musical narrates the story of a unprecedented little lady armed with a vivid creativeness and a pointy thoughts. She dares to take a stand, rewriting her future within the course of.
With the award-winning musical set to return to Singapore on the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from 9 March 2024, we seized the chance to talk with the three actresses – Yolani, Donna, and Myla – about embodying the titular character.
These younger powerhouses, who’re filled with resilience, intelligence, and boundless braveness (identical to Matilda!), share their insights into the method of bringing the character to life on stage with a refreshing (and really lovely) candour.
What impressed every of you to pursue a profession in theatre at such a younger age?
Myla: I’ve at all times liked performing and I’ve at all times wished to carry out kind a really younger age.
Yolani: The bug bit once I did a present for my Academy and I liked it. I used to be 7 years outdated.
Donna: My Mother is my fundamental inspiration, as she was a part of the leisure business herself.
What excites you essentially the most about performing in Matilda the Musical?
Myla: It’s thrilling to work on stage with different performers and to share the story of Matilda with the world. I’ve at all times liked the tales of Roald Dahl.
Yolani: The thrill of children watching the present and understanding that I encourage a few of them.
Donna: I simply love sharing within the pleasure of dwell theatre, travelling Internationally, which takes us to so many wonderful locations, and experiencing so many new cultures.
How do you method the method of portraying Matilda?
Myla: Desirous about the character and imagining her emotions and what her life can be like with such mother and father, a headmistress and a trainer like Miss Honey.
Yolani: I attempt not to be my joyful, smiley self.
Donna: Throughout my quiet time earlier than the present, I give attention to being Matilda.
Matilda is a logo of empowerment and willpower. How has portraying this character impacted every of you personally?
Myla: I’ve at all times been somebody who stands as much as issues that aren’t proper; being courageous and never afraid to be myself and have my very own opinions.
Yolani: It’s made me extra decided to face up for what’s proper and never only for myself, however for others round me.
Donna: I really feel I can obtain something I put my thoughts to.
What are essentially the most memorable moments out of your time engaged on “Matilda the Musical” that you just’d wish to share with our readers?
Myla: The expertise of getting a dwell viewers interacting and acknowledging my efficiency is de facto particular and fulfilling. Seeing and experiencing all of the totally different cultures from all of the nations we go to, is thrilling for me.
Yolani: The joys and pleasure of the primary ever present I did. And the travelling!
Donna: Probably the most memorable moments on tour embrace Westend theatre reveals, The Nice Wall Of China, visits to the Burj Khalifa and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Are you able to share any particular challenges you confronted in embodying Matilda’s spirit, and the way did you overcome them?
Myla: It was difficult to not over categorical the character, as Matilda retains all her emotions inside; and trusting that I wouldn’t have to do an excessive amount of with the character. I really feel this for me continues to be a piece in progress.
Yolani: Attempting to not chuckle and smile whereas onstage!
Donna: I struggled with Matilda’s accent, so I had a dialect coach to assist me throughout rehearsals.
What messages from the musical resonate with you essentially the most?
Myla: “Even when you little you are able to do lots…” the scale of the individual mustn’t affect how a lot consideration we pay to them. “That’s not proper…” as a result of Matilda has an inside compass for equity identical to me.
Yolani: You don’t should have lots to be joyful.
Donna: Irrespective of your measurement, you may make a giant distinction.
Matilda the Musical by Base Leisure Asia and GWB Leisure in affiliation with the Royal Shakespeare Firm will return to the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from 9 March 2024.
Supply: Her World