This is an interview with Sadia Akter Kotha, a rising theater activist, currently completing her BA (Hons) in English at ULAB. The interview was taken by Abir Saha from DEH.

Kotha, since you are a theater activist please share us what factors have inspired you in this regard?

The theatre is a platform which gives you the opportunity to raise your voice against injustice, against corruption, against anything harmful happening around which you think should be stopped. What I believe is that a theatrical performance can speak louder than anything else. I guess this is what inspires me to be a theatre activist.

What is your opinion regarding body and mind as a theater activist?

Once you are performing something you have to embody that performance within yourself. You have to believe it first, in order to make others believe in it as well. As long as your body and mind do not work as one unit, you cannot do it.

Is modeling your hobby or profession?

For me, modeling is more like a hobby. I started my modeling career immediately after my SSC exam. But I never had the intention of taking it as a profession. I am more enthusiastic about theater and how it opened up numerous places for me to explore and experience what the world of performing arts has to offer.

Do you think theater activism can bring a positive change against the malpractices of society?

Definitely, it can.  Here, I would like to share one of my experiences. We had once performed a street play on the coal-based Power Plant of Rampal, demonstrating the environmental impact it would have on the Sundarbans and other surrounding areas. Many from the audience were totally reluctant regarding this issue. Our ten-minute street play, however, had instantly seemed to create a wave of awareness among them. If you think about it closely, that’s fascinating.

Which profession do you prefer the most between modeling and theater activism?

Between modeling and theater activism, definitely, I would go with theatre activism. Because in Bangladesh, if you are looking for a suitable job to pay the bills, then modeling can never be the right choice. There is no continuity of work or fixed income source. I do modeling especially when I have less study pressure. But theatre is the place which helps me improve myself every day. It boosts up my sportsmanship quality.

Is scriptwriting a satisfactory job?

Yes, I prefer scriptwriting as a satisfactory job. It gives me the freedom to express my thoughts in a creative way.

How do you manage your personal and professional life?

Remember what William Shakespeare says, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players/They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts”. Just like that, we all are playing different roles in our life. Though maintaining a good academic result, working in an office and at the same time, doing your theatre activities seem difficult, but it is not altogether impossible.