City girl takes T&T stage with critical eyes!

“It is not enough to have talent, but talent is important.”

It has been said before about acting; The definition of talent is the degree of depth of an actor’s imagination, and ability to enter into the imaginary world and play pretend.

Ria Ali! A young actress of Trinidad and Tobago, with great emotional facility, imagination, and fortitude, has proven over the years how great of an actress she is.

Becoming an actress was not this young woman’s dream; but we all know that sometimes the universe has its own destiny mapped out for us. At 20 years of age, Ria Ali graduated from the University of the West Indies with a bachelors degree. Soon after university, this young woman became a poetry teacher. Teaching sixth form students of one of Trinidad and Tobago top girl schools in Port of Spain.

Ria Ali was born in Trinidad, grew up in the Port of Spain environment. A city Girl! Being the only child, Ria developed the ability to express herself from a very young age through songs and writing. It was a way to entertain herself, when no one else was around. She attended the Maria Regina primary, then went onto to St. Joseph Convent high school, Port of Spain, before starting a degree at the University of the West Indies. It is probably safe to say this is the reason why she has become such a familiar face on many theatre productions. An imaginary mind from childhood to a sound and quality educational background! But its Ria’s opinion that her skills have developed after having been exposed to theatre and having a taste of theatre life.

Ria Ali

  

Professionally, Ria is a teacher. We all know that everyday as individuals, we are all actors. We put on a show for others on a bigger stage called, the life stage. For Ria, being an actress is only a hobby. However her skills as an actress is needed everyday. As a teacher, being an actress is what her career revolves around. Ria knows this too well and the importance of a good show to motivate and inspire her students everyday as if they are the audience of a theatre production.

“I Think while it is easy to say i am an actress, myself included and other actresses and actors aspires to be true performers, whereby we entertain an audience and immerse them so deeply into the story line at hand, that they forget that they are watching a theatrical performance, and believe it is real. I am, and hope to continue to be a true performer.”

On set with some of the cast members!

     

There is something about music that gets people inspired and motivated to do things. Each person has their own selection of music they enjoy. For Ria Ali, Music is a therapy for her to prepare for a character she is about to play on stage. She expressed in an interview for Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago, music gets her into the vibe of the particular character. However, when she meets a struggle to commit to the character, it is important for her to take a rest away from the script and return later with fresh eyes. When she returns, she has to walk the part of her character psychically, with costumes, the character’s body gestures and the different voices of the character. This gets her totally prepared. She admitted that she is a very hard critic on her performances, which have allowed her to expand on her creativity for the character she is about to portray on the theatrical stage.

On set with Ria Ali

 

Being a performer is enjoyable to Ria Ali. There are days when she is out performing and entertaining. Instead she could have been at home writing poems, or curled up on her bed, and watching television. This young actress does not regret being a performer. Even though there are days she wants to quit. Thanks to Leslie Ann Lavine and Aaron Schneider, fellow performers like herself. They have always been there to help Ria persevere and not quit.

Share the stage with Leslie Ann Levine for the production “Eat Ah Food”!

  

Over the last five years, Ria Ali performed in nine different stage plays in Trinidad and Tobago; Men are dogs, Love thy neighbors, Eat ah food, Scandal, and many others. To Ria Ali, Love thy Neighbours is her favourite stage performance, because it allowed her to step out of her comfort zone. Ria explained that every role  has been very important to her and has taught her many things for her everyday life. It has been a learning and experience and continues to be that for her. The cast members, directors and script writers are all inspiring and great to work with. The many different cast is an opportunity to meet and collaborate with great talents from sweet Trinidad and Tobago.

On stage with Ria Ali with a few familiar faces!

 

At present Ria Ali is on a break from theatre for 2104. Theatre in Trinidad and Tobago closes off its theatre season in November of every year and reopens in February/March the next year. In 2015 when theatre season reopens, you can expect to see this young and vibrant actress on stage with a different character on a stage close to you!

A short Video Interview Ria Ali had with Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago!

Keep looking for more updates from Ria Ali! follow her and support our local performing Artist!

A few of the many Stage performances Ria Ali have been apart!

 

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Leston Paul