Theatre More Challenging Than Singing, Says Atilia

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) – At 52, versatile singer and actress Atilia Haron shows no signs of slowing down as she takes on new challenges.

Her latest challenge comes in the form of acting in the musical theatre production ‘Najis Jadi Teman’, which she described as the most mentally and physically demanding experience of her career.

She said taking on a role in a play with a dense script and technical terminology is far more challenging than singing, as it requires intense concentration and focus.

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“I find it more demanding than singing because music has rhythm and rhyme, but a theatre script demands precision. When acting on stage, you have to remember your lines and technical terms, including specific names. At 52, that is truly challenging.

“If you get a line wrong, the entire performance can be affected because there is no ‘take two’ in a live show,” she told Bernama after the IWK Charity Theatre presentation of ‘Najis Jadi Teman’ at IWK Eco Park here recently.

The ‘Kanda Dinda’ singer said she chooses to remain active in various artistic pursuits to keep her mind healthy and positive, especially as she grows older.

“I have to keep moving and exercising. If I don’t, I feel lethargic and just want to stay at home. I can’t afford to be sedentary, I have to push myself to stay active,” she said.

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Atilia, who also runs a yoga studio, added that staying busy and being brave enough to try new things helps maintain mental well-being and a positive outlook.

She also said she is currently working on her fourth solo album, which will include a collaborative track with singer MimiFly.

“The song is about women's empowerment. It’s important for us women to support one another, not bring each other down. The genre is R&B, it’s not ‘dancey dancey’ (not overly dance-driven), but still very soulful,” she said.

-- BERNAMA