Helping to bring to light the new work in Weesageechak Begins to Dance 27, are a great number of extraordinary dramaturg/directors. One of these is Karin Randoja, who is directing an excerpt from Cliff Cardinal’s new play, romanceship.
Karin Randoja is a director, actor, singer/composer and teacher and has been creating devised theatre for over 20 years. This will be her first time participating in Weesageechak Begins to Dance, and she is excited to be a part of it.
“There is a lot of new work, new energy, new artists, etc. and when you have that much raw, youthful energy, the festival can’t help but be inspiring and spirited,” says Randoja. She says Weesageechak audiences can expect to “meet, head on, new perspectives on Canada and Canadian lives.”
Randoja was a founding member of Primus Theatre and is a member of The Independent Aunties. She has performed and/or directed at Cleveland Public Theatre, La Mama Etc. (New York), The Caravan Farm Theatre and The National Arts Centre (to name a few).
“The festival can’t help but be inspiring and spirited.”
Randoja also teaches at Humber College, and numerous other schools and theatres. She has worked across Canada, the U.S., Europe, Japan and Mozambique, and is a graduate of the acting program at The National Theatre School of Canada. Next she will be preparing for the world premiere of The Independent Aunties new show, Gertrude and Alice for the 2015/16 season at Buddies in Bad Times.
Some bits and bobs about Karin Randoja
What advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you do? One of the best ways to survive the craziness of this world is the classic improv advice, “Yes, and…” Just accept and learn from all the experiences that come your way. Reject nothing. Learn from everything.
What was your first job in theatre?
My first professional experience after graduating NTS was acting in one of the strangest, worst musicals ever written. My friends would come over and over again to sit and revel in how truly, bizarrely awful it was…very humbling. It closed early.
What is your profession’s greatest challenge today?
Finding the time and resources to give new work the right conditions and support it needs to develop and deepen and make Canadian theatre potent and relevant.
What’s your favourite dessert?
I scream ICE CREAM.
Who is one of your heroes?
Mother Theresa.
The one word your best friend would use to describe you?
Unique.
Thanks Karin!
You can catch Cliff Cardinal’s romanceship on Tuesday, November 18th @ 7:30pm with a Weesageechak Begins to Dance 27 Festival Pass. More About Tickets