Award winning performer Gina Shmukler, who captured the South African imagination with her lead role in the musical production of Mamma Mia and the recent producer of 'I Am An Emotional Creature', opened her life-stage curtain for neofundi.

How did you get into acting?

JEALOUSY. My sisters Lynsey and Karen had both been in stage productions and as the baby sister, I felt left out. When they were auditioning for Brickhill-Burkes production of ANNIE in 1976, I joined them and went on to play the role of Molly .

Favourite stage show you have performed in?
That is a hard question. Different roles mean different things at various points in my life. I played Fraulein Kost in Sam Mendes’ CABARET which I think is THE iconic musical!

Singing/dancing/acting- which one of these do you think is your strongest talent? Definitely not dancing! My strength is that I am a singer who can act.
What is your dream role?
In Musical Theatre, Fantine in Les Miserable or Trina in Falsettos.

Tell us about your involvement in “I Am An Emotional Creature”
I am the South African producer for Emotional Creature which is produced by V-Day, Eve Ensler’s organisation.

You lived in New York for a while, what did you love about it?
The STREETS. I loved the freedom!

What inspires you?
I teach at Wits-watching the students grow is an inspiration.
Seeing amazing theatre inspires me.

Best in Jhb for:
Cappuccino- BEAN THERE
Lunch- VOVO TELO
Movie- HYDE PARK
Drinks- I should drink more-Not sure!

What is your Ideal Sunday?
Sunday is family time-when my parents lived in JHB, Sundays were about delicious prawn and lemon butter lunches that went late into the afternoon.
Now my friends are my family, so yes- long lunches with friends and a definite Carte Blanche.

Favourite quote?
“I appreciate people who are civil, whether they mean it or not. I think: Be civil. Do not cherish your opinion over my feelings. There's a vanity to candour that isn't really worth it. Be kind.”
Richard Greenberg, NY Times Magazine, 03-26-2006

If you could have dinner with any famous actor/actress who would it be and why?
I have always admired Stockard Channing and Sally Field.

If you could do something else other than perform, what would you do?
Investigative Journalism

Most influential person in your life?
I see my life as seven year adventures. This ‘seven year adventure’ is my husband Paul.

4 essentials in your bag that you would never leave home without?
Lip-ice
A pen and notebook
Eyebrow brush (I inherited my Gran’s odd ones’)
Blackberry

Stiletto’s or pumps?
PUMPS

What is your next project?
I am completing my Masters in Drama, which involves making a new piece of theatre on Xenophobia and Trauma.

Gina Shmukler's website