You’re now working as part of Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2010 -11 ensemble. Sell us Shakespeare…
I hated Shakespeare when I was at school because we were forced to sit round tables and read his texts. My love of Shakespeare began with my journey at the RSC. Its department has taught me to put Shakespeare on its feet and simply play.

How does theatre differ from radio or television?
Theatre is a live and shared experience. It is a journey taken by both performer and audience. It is an immediate interaction unlike the pre-recorded nature of television and radio.

Is theatre still the preserve of the white, middle classes?
It is important that we dispel the myth of theatre being for the white middle classes which is why the RSC's Education department and the ensemble work hard to produce high quality shows for young people. By introducing Shakespeare at an earlier age we are actively engaging young minds, reaching out to a wider audience, and more importantly we are showing how theatre is accessible to anyone regardless of class, colour or age.

Do you see many Asian faces in the audience in Stratford?
A large number of our audiences are made up of people from all over the world. It is important to me that I see not only Asian faces but people of all ethnicities both on stage and in the audience.

What do we need to do in order to get more Asians involved with theatre, and Shakespeare?
From my experience with working on the RSC's Young People's Shakespeare versions of The Comedy of Errors and Hamlet, I have learnt that active learning from an earlier age enables the young people to have a better understanding of a subject as complex as Shakespeare. It is equally important that we allow young people to engage with live theatre. It's not only Asian people that we need to engage with theatre but young minds in general. It is important that we allow active learning for young people. Shakespeare is for everyone.

What would your advice be to budding Asian Actors?
Be active in your learning; join your drama club, participate in school plays, watch actors that you admire and respect, but most of all learn your trade.

A character that you would really like to play but haven’t yet…
Every Shakespearean role. Including the female ones. So, where and when can we catch you on stage? The RSC ensemble is currently performing at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm, London. Check out the RSC website (www.rsc.org.uk/london) for details. We are currently in rehearsals for a season in New York.