Our chat with I Theatre actress Alecia Chua
The life of an actress is no walk in the park, and neither is motherhood, for that matter! Meeting the bubbly Alecia Chua, however, certainly makes us believe she’s got that magic touch.
The theatre aficionado has been in countless local and overseas productions while juggling her real-life roles as wife and mother of two adorable tots. She currently stars as the Ant in I-Theatre’s The Ant and The Grasshopper, opening 26 February. We got the chance to chat with actress Alecia Chua in her cheery home, where she revealed more about her love for acting and the joys of motherhood (while we got a little distracted by her boys’ super-cute superhero antics).
Hi there, Alecia! We’re really excited to watch the upcoming “The Ant and The Grasshopper”. What do you like most about playing the Ant, and what is the most important lesson for kids in this play?
The thing I like most about being Ant is that it’s the “mother figure” in the play. It’s wise, strong and has a good heart. To know what lessons can be learned, COME WATCH THE SHOW! I don’t want to give too much away, but one big lesson is to always be prepared for change.
What’s the most favourite character you’ve played onstage?
‘Squealer’ in “Animal Farm” by Wild Rice. It was part of the 10 Days On The Island festival in Tasmania, and was my toughest – and most physically challenging – role thus far, since I had to wear undies draped in bandages.
Who or what inspires you to keep going amidst your terribly busy schedule (attending rehearsals, taking care of the kids, cooking meals, etc)?
Many things inspire me, really! My children, my family, my friends, getting out of my comfort zone – like playing the role of lover with someone else on stage as your significant other looks on, or wearing a bikini and swearing as your parents look on. I absolutely love my job!
Let’s move on to another big love of yours: being a mum! What do you love most about motherhood, and how do you define your parenting style?
The thing I love most about being a mum is just that: being a mum. As for my parenting style, I practice “attachment parenting” but with some tweaks. I co-sleep with my kids, which is pretty good when you’re breastfeeding. Also, I don’t push for my kids to do things before they are physically, mentally, or developmentally ready. My wonderful husband and mother fill in the gaps when mummy’s away, so thank God for them!
What are the most important things you want to teach your children?
In no particular order: that it’s ok to fail, but it’s not ok to not try again; that they must be kind, humble, respectful, caring and considerate to all living things; that they are loved; and to play nice and share!
What’s the most difficult parenting challenge you have had, and how did you overcome it?
I think parenting is challenging, PERIOD. For me, the most challenging part is whether I am doing what’s best for my children. I was constantly beating myself up with that question and second-guessing my instincts. I guess I overcame it by becoming fearless and acknowledging that even if I don’t know what’s best, I am not afraid to say sorry and start all over.
What’s your favourite time of the day?
Any uninterrupted playtime, talk-time, lazing around watching TV, and snacking with my boys are my favourite times of the day.
If you only did one thing with your kids every day, what would it be?
I would give them hugs and kisses to let them know that I love them, for I know that there will come a day my teenage boys would not want to kiss and cuddle up with mummy!
If you wrote a play for your kids, what would it be about?
Good one! I think it would be a play about self-affirmation, acceptance and love. Most of all, that you should not be afraid to be yourself.
Real life or stage life: which do you prefer?
This is SO TOUGH. Well, it’s real life for sure. My stage life would be so lifeless without my real life!
Thanks for the chat, Alecia! We’ve hit on a brilliant playtime idea: getting our kids to stage a play just for us! For more photos of Alecia and her cutie patootie boys, check out our HoneyKids Facebook album now!