“I still feel like a newcomer to the stage” ...Lucy Tripti Gomes

Lucy Tripti Gomes is a familiar face in Dhaka's theatre scene, with her work with theatre troupe Natya Kendra spanning more than 12 years. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, Lucy talked about her initiation into theatre, her experiences, achievements and more.

How did you step into the realm of theatre?
Lucy: Since my childhood, I felt an urge to be creative. My mother was a theatre activist with Dhaka Padatik. So it was only natural for me to develop a passion for theatre. Eventually, I got involved with Theatre Centre in 1995. I also did my Master's in Drama and Dramatics from Jahangirnagar University.

What goes on through your mind when you get on stage?
Lucy: I feel an inimitable rush of adrenaline every time I get on the stage. I also enjoy rehearsing for plays. To be fair, I still sometimes feel nervous and get the feeling that I am on the learning curve. Actually, theatre covers a broad area, and it always feels like I'm a newcomer.

Acting aside, you are also a costume designer. How did that begin?
Lucy: I started costume designing without any definite pre-plan; I was a second-year university student. Designing costumes for theatre is a long-drawn process; you cannot be sure which attire suits performers until they get on stage. Before sketching a design, I have to follow the director's instructions, then sit with both light and stage designers before finalising it.

Tell us a little about your works with Natya Kendra.
Lucy: I have appeared in a number Natya Kendra's popular plays, including “Aroj Charitamrita,” “Bichchhu”, “Mrito Manusher Chhaya” and “Dalim Kumar”. I also played a role in Prachyanat's production “Mayer Mukh”. Apart from that, I've designed costumes for different troupes as well.

You've been in the arena for a while now. What are you current aspirations with theatre?
Lucy: Working as a director is a long-cherished desire; besides, I have a passion for repertory theatre. I dream that one day, theatre can be taken on as a full-fledged profession, and artistes will not have to do other jobs for their livelihoods.
I also want to work with children, and establish a theatre school for coming generations. Theatre develops rationality and a cultural orientation among people, so I want to spread the message of theatre among children as well as the youth.