Staged! Tyla Nurden
Growing up I was a bit of a sceptic when it came to musical theatre. I could never understand what relevance it had to anyone under the age of at least 50. I am eternally grateful for outgrowing my scepticism. Musical theatre has the ability to transport one to a far-off world filled with magic and possibilities. From Broadway to the West End, South Africa to Singapore, The Full Monty to Moulin Rouge, musical theatre is enthralling audiences in a way previously unimagined.
Tyla Dee Nurden is an up-and-coming stage performer who is as talented and grounded as she is beautiful. I had the honor of talking to her about her passion for performing, her admiration for her brother and her plans for the future. In recent years musical theatre has become a lot more accessible to young people. How important do you think it is for people to be exposed to be exposed to art and culture from a young age? I think it’s really important as it teaches the youth the beauty of living the experience of ‘escapism’ in reality. In this day and age young people are being brought up with technology all around them, and there is something about live theatre that has a beautiful and emotional impact on you that television often cannot provide. Being exposed to art and culture from a young age is vital because I know from my experience it taught me how to express myself creatively which is a healing process in itself; or how to release my emotions through experiencing someone else’s live performance in front of me. It also taught me confidence, social skills, it broadened my mind and allowed me to make friends from different ‘clicks’. Musical theatre manages to inspire everyone even if they’re not particularly musical themselves. It is always an uplifting or deeply moving experience in any form. What is your dream stage role? Who is the one character you are dreaming to be cast as one day? There are always so many to choose from! But I think if the musical “Gypsy” were ever to be produced, I would absolutely love to play Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee. The Nurden gene pool is clearly overflowing with beauty and talent. Does supporting each other come naturally to you and Jarryd and is there ever a bit of behind-the-scenes sibling rivalry going on between the two of you? Never! Luckily for us we cannot ever be up for the same role. Haha but support is our biggest attribute. We both inspire each other to reach further, higher and beyond – we’ve always been supportive of one another in every single way. Out of everyone in this world, Jarryd is my biggest inspiration and role model, mostly because of how he manages to astound me every single day with how far he’s come and how far he’s determined to go. I’m forever grateful for his constant guidance, wisdom and just his entire being, and the day I get to perform with him on stage, may just be the day I’ll need to be tranquilized! Haha! How would you best describe your passion for performing in only 5 words? Unconditional, special, powerful, soul-fueling, exciting. Can you tell us more about 'Blame It On Bollywood' , the latest production you are starring in? I’m so excited to be part of “Blame It On Bollywood” this year which will be showing from 6-11 October at the Teatro at Montecasino. (Here is an excerpt from Montecasino’s website. They pretty much sum is up perfectly! And I am merely an ensemble dancer): “A talented and star-studded cast from India bring this humorous story about love, marriage and family to life. The leading man, Anant Mahadevan (acclaimed film and theatre actor), and actress Jayati Bhatia (famous television personality and theatre performer), as parents of bride-to-be Anchal Sabharwal deliver energetic performances, while Neil Gagdani provides a good dose of comedy as the bride’s nerdy brother. What makes a brilliant Bollywood spectacular, is the song and dance, and in this instance two of India’s finest – choreographer Hormuzd Khambata and music director Louiz Banks (renowned jazz and fusion musician) - lend their expertise to the production. Audiences will be dazzled by the colourful costumes, vibrant choreography and high-energy performances in this wedding extravaganza, which is a part musical and part hilarious comedy play. It has already received many a standing ovation and has been successfully packing out theatres in Asia for the last two years.” - http://www.montecasino.co.za/whatson/Theatre/Pages/blame_it_on_bollywood.aspx What is next for Tyla? Any exciting plans for the near future? Next year will be my first full year out of college and into the industry. It will be scary but mostly exciting! I will have more time to plan, get my goals in check and advance my skills as a performer. I’ll hopefully be auditioning lots, going to castings, training hard, learning more (you NEVER stop learning) and I hope to book some amazing work in the future.
