Chandni Mistry: I love making theatre that is fun for the whole family

NEW one-woman play 'Roti Moon' is written and performed by talented actress Chandni Mistry.

She plays all the characters in the family friendly show about a little girl who is told the moon is really a roti, and sets out to find the truth, learning life lessons along the way. It adds to the diverse projects the British Asian talent has done. Eastern Eye caught up with her ahead of the unique show at Curve Theatre in Leicester on July 23 to find out more.

What do you love about theatre?

I love performing. Sometimes I get a bit nervous but as soon as you’re up there in someone else’s shoes, you sort of forget yourself and start having fun. I love the buzz of the audience when they react to the live performers on stage – that’s what makes theatre so special because as a performer you feed off that energy.

Could you tell us about your new play Roti Moon?

Roti Moon is a bonkers play all about my love for food and family. It’s a story of a little girl, Diya, who has to eat daal and roti when she goes to visit her dada, but all she really wants to do is eat pizza and chips. It’s full of characters from every Indian kid’s childhood, including a nosey masi, a bossy brother and the star of the show, dada, a loving grandpa who says the silliest things. We get to live dada’s wildest dreams. We learn all about the science behind the moon, and of course how to roll a roti.

Who is this play aimed at?

Roti Moon is a one woman show – so it’s me performing the whole thing and playing all the characters. I love making theatre that is fun for the whole family; kids, parents and grandparents. Sometimes ‘family shows’ are seen as not as important as ‘adult shows’, but I totally disagree. Everyone should be able to come along, laugh, cry and be a part of something magical. And if it’s about Indian food, then in my opinion it’s even better.

What is the key message of this play?

The key message is to be yourself. If you like daal and roti, that’s cool. If you think the moon is a roti, that’s also cool. You don’t have to be like everyone else or hide what you love to fit in.

What is your own favourite moment in the play?

I love the moment when we meet a DJ who is a werewolf, and we have a glow stick rave with the audience joining in.

Why should we watch your new play?

Come and see Roti Moon if you want to have an hour of fun, be sucked into a different world, and let your imagination run free. And come if you love roti.

Does your approach change as an actor when the material is aimed at young audiences?

The story and concept don’t change, we still have moments of intense laughter and silliness. There are also, moments where we feel uncomfortable or sad. What is important for a younger audience is to make the show more interactive and relaxed, so you can shout out, sing along, or start dancing if you want to.

Roti Moon at Curve Theatre, 60 Rutland

Street, Leicester LE1 1SB on Sunday July 23. www.curveonline.co.uk