Kathy to star in ‘Kalyani’

This is the acting role that will put Barrackpore model and actress Kathy Ann Ramsahai in the spotlight. She will star as Shanta in the award winning drama Kalyani — In A Woman’s World.

Ever since she hit the stage in 2002 as a contestant of the Barrackpore Carnival Queen competition, Ramsahai has been in demand for shows in South and Central Trinidad. She has done acting and modelling in various festivals and private shows since then, but regards her latest role, portraying the troubled Shanta in the widely-acclaimed stage production, as her biggest challenge.

"At first, when I was offered the role, I thought I couldn’t do it. I must have read that script 100 times before I got into the role," she admitted in an interview with People recently.

In the play, Shanta’s father marries the maid and flies off to New York, abandoning his wife. Shanta’s mother, a prominent attorney at law is devastated. Ten years later, he returns home for a dramatic and emotional reunion with his daughter.

Although the main theme is poignant, the production has its comic moments, particularly the scenes where Lisa Samlal and Mala Ramkissoon portray busybody neighbours.

Ramsahai, a clerk at Sushilla’s in San Fernando, is friendly and down-to-earth. Despite her initial reservations, she is enthusiastic about taking on the lead role in the play and is looking forward to her next acting challenging.

Even as she sets her sights on a successful stage career, Ramsahai is seizing every available opportunity to fine tune her acting skills and is willing to share her talents for any worthwhile charitable cause.

"I believe that we should all live meaningful lives, not just looking for momentary happiness but searching for that which will bring us long-term results," she said.

As she gears up for her latest dramatic role, Ramsahai has noted that local audiences love drama but most theatrical offerings in this country are in the comedy genre.

She observed: "I love to see people laugh, but there is need to show real drama that can reflect the lives of people in TT."

According to Ramsahai, while many groups coming forward with quality productions through the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Company, few manage to get beyond that arena. That is an area of concern, she said, that needs to be addressed.

She is also looking forward to the day when show business in TT becomes a lucrative activity.

"As a model, dancer, musician or actor, you must work long hours at perfecting your art. Then having reached a certain standard you are ready to go on stage. But you are not properly compensated for your effort, so you must secure a full time job that can pay your bills," Ramsahai explained.

Undaunted by the challenges and hurdles, Ramsahai is pressing on with her theatrical pursuits. In addition to her current assignment, she is preparing to take on a major role in a new production, "Beisharam - Shameless," which will be featured in the upcoming Best Village competition. She will take on the role of a rich girl who has everything but is starved for fulfilment and true happiness. Although she is still deeply involved in Kalyani, Ramsahai is also busy preparing for her next role and is already learning her lines for the new production.

Kalyani has played to rave reviews at the Queen’s Park Savannah, the Divali Nagar site, the Woodland Temple, San Fernando, Barrackpore, Princes Town, Couva, Siparia, Rio Claro, New Grant, and La Romaine. The next stop will be at the Creative Arts Centre, Circular Road, San Fernando on August 6 at 7.15 pm for the 50th anniversary of the Arawak Dance Company led by Torrence Mohammed. That show will be under the patronage of the Mayor of San Fernando, Ian Atherly.