Ayesha’s Queen of Shakespeare’s Arabian Nights!

Ayesha Dharker is on cloud nine these days.
And with good reason - The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has asked her to star as Queen Scheherazade in its new production of Arabian Nights, to play at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon from December 15 to January 30. Now, that indeed is a coup!
Fresh out of her role as ���Tara��� in the iconic long-running soap Coronation Street, Ayesha is hot property in UK���s performing arts scene.But working with the RSC, that too in Shakespeare���s birthplace, is a dream come true for the talented actress. ���It all happened in a very strange way. Recently, I came across a new translation of Arabian Nights and was completely engrossed with the stories. At the same time, I began reading a book called In Arabian Nights which is a fascinating read about the original storytellers of the tales of the ���1001 Nights���. And one day, out of the blue, the RSC asked if I wanted to do the role! It was as though someone had heard my innermost thoughts and desires,��� says an excited Ayesha. Incidentally, the RSC had previously offered her the roles of Joan of Arc and Queen Margaret, but she was unable to take it on because of film commitments.
Working with the RSC must indeed be an experience, and Ayesha doesn���t disagree. ���Every theatre actor is curious about the RSC. Working with the RSC and working on Broadway were two of my childhood dreams, because these are the best examples of a particular kind of theatre or genre. The play includes elements of flying and puppetry and music, so there���s going to be a whole lot of action and excitement on stage. Since Stratford is the birthplace of Shakespeare, the whole town revolves around the RSC. I can���t wait!���
Check out Ayesha Dharker's pics