Who is Thndo?
Thndo is a Zimbabwean performer and songwriter who grew up in Canberra. She’s a mother, could be your best friend and enjoys a vodka martini on the weekends.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would probably be a food critic. I love to eat and am not afraid to share my opinion on food, so I tend to be my friends’ plug on where to dine out.
Who inspires you and why?
I’ve always been inspired by my mother. She showed me that you can’t have it all at once, but you juggle and that’s as good as it will ever get.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
There is a lot; I don’t know if I have enough time to get into it, but maybe swap out all our world leaders for younger progressives who live in the consequences of their decisions. Most jobs have a retirement age… why not politics?
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Jackalope will always have my heart.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I still take Friends to Section 8, but nowadays we start with a nice dinner at Supernormal in the city first. Their new England lobster roll is absolutely to die for.
What are you currently reading?
My script for RENT ? I’ve never been a big reader, the last book I picked up was The Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C Gibson.
What are you currently listening to?
Original Broadway cast recording of the Dreamgirls soundtrack.
Happiness is?
A healthy bank account, so I don’t have to worry about my bills. Anyone who ever said money can’t buy happiness doesn’t live in the real world. I am capitalism’s handmaiden. It is what it is.
What does the future hold for you?
I would love to live abroad and write pop songs for up-and-coming artists, retire at 50 and buy a House by the beach and host fancy dinner parties for my friends every last Sunday of the month.
Thndo stars as Joanne in RENT – which opens at the Playhouse – QPAC, Brisbane: 27 January – 11 February, followed by the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne: 17 February – 7 March, Civic Theatre, Newcastle: 15 – 17 March, His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth: 11 – 19 May and the Canberra Theatre Centre: 7 – 13 June 2024. For more information, visit: www.rentmusical.au for details.
Image: Thndo – photo by Wendell Teodoro