Michele Leembruggen delves into the past and talks about life as an actress in years gone by
Words: Tiranya Yalindee Ranasinghe
Deemed as an exemplary figure in Sri Lankan theatre, Michele Leembruggen is known for her long portfolio of iconic performances. Having acted alongside legendary actors such as the late Richard De Zoysa, Iranganie Serasinghe and Jerome De Silva, her work as an actress in the performing arts is established in the history of
Sri Lankan theatre. Her latest venture, ‘The Fat Lady Sings’ is also her first poetry book which she published at the age of 74. Poetry being an intimate form of expression for her, has reignited the passion she felt back during the days of acting in plays such as ‘Evita’. Michelle also reminisces about the glory days of the Sri Lankan theatre scene back in 1970s and 80s, the effort that was invested into perfecting a play and immersing herself into the roles that she played.
How did your career as a mainstream figure in the local media begin?
I had been doing secretarial work and found it incredibly boring. By then, I had voiced a lot of commercials and some jingles as well – I found it energizing so I thought I would try advertising. I applied to the four top agencies – they all invited me to come and talk, and I ended up at Grants because they immediately offered me a job in the Radio Department. And
I stayed in advertising for the next 30 years.
How did you establish yourself in the performing art scene?
I was working at Walker and Sons and I met Andrew David there. We were talking about plays and he said ‘You must come to an ITG (International Theatre Group) maggie (meet and greet)’. They were auditioning at the time, and I auditioned also and got a small part in ‘A Streetcar named Desire’ directed by Lal Senaratna. That was the start.
Tell us a bit about some memorable figures you’ve acted with.
There are so many! Andrew David, Lal Senaratna, Sita Parakrama, Anne Willis, Percy Colin Thome, Winston and Iranganie Serasinghe… If I mentioned everybody important
I could fill an A4 with all the names! These were the people
I began with, and they all helped me to mature as an actress. Then there were The Young Players – Steve De La Zilwa, Graham Hatch, Richard De Zoysa, Christine Thambimuttu, Jerome De Silva… We had no joining fee, no subscription, people just came to take part in something and they were ‘young players’ after that.
