Who is Uma Dobia?
A soprano, songwriter, dog mum and an amateur veggie gardener; a long allergy-list, and Crohn’s disease girlie; and her friends’ go-to for dating advice.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Sleep and practise my singing more. Devote more time to learning other languages and instruments. And read! Run more. Be in nature. That’s already too many things haha!
Who inspires you and why?
My mother, because she’s always trying to make a difference in the world. My co-creator and director of Popera, Bronny Lane, for making the show the best it can be through her humour, drive and passion for music, and for giving me the confidence to do things I never would have done in my performances. Renee Fleming for her gloriously honey-toned voice, and her braveness for taking on genres outside of opera.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Oooft. If only I had the power to make big change! First, I’d stop all the violence. Then, I’d find a way to make sure everyone hears and understands each other. We miss so much because we’re waiting to respond instead of truly hearing whoever we’re talking to. And I’d make music education mandatory in schools. I think that’d be a pretty good start.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Ohhh San Francisco, hands down. It’s my favourite city in the whole world! So colourful, so beautiful, so full of life! I’d be there in a heartbeat.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I like to take them to my favourite cafes – no one does coffee quite like Melbourne – and my favourite allergy-friendly bakeries, to prove Uma-friendly food can still be delicious! Then I’d take them for a walk along Elwood Beach. It’s always a winner!
What are you currently reading?
Miranda Hart’s autobiography, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You. I loved her show growing up, and it’s so lovely to learn more about her experience, especially as a chronic-illness girlie myself.
What are you currently listening to?
Lots of songs that have inspired show-ideas, so, plenty of pop and operatic hits from singers like Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Lizzo, Maria Callas, Renee Fleming, and Diana Damrau. And then some more soulful, quiet tunes from Jamie Cullum that are inspiring me as I write some new things…
Happiness is?
Morning coffee, snuggles with my dog and good music.
What does the future hold for you?
Firstly, we’re touring Popera to Sydney Comedy Festival in May! Then I hope there’ll be more performing, writing and creating art over the winter before Fringe season kicks off.
Uma stars in Popera: Sex, Death & Politics – currently playing at The Motley Bauhaus, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, until 20 April, before playing the Factory Theatre, as part of the Sydney Comedy Festival, 14 – 16 May 2025.
Image: Uma Dobia – photo by Brent Lukey