Exclusive Interview with Tia Andrea Guttensohn and Joshua Lim, Cast of Gretel and Hansel

Gretel and Hansel, the upcoming show by Singapore Repertory Theatre is based on the well-loved Brothers Grimm classic fairy tale, Gretel and Hansel is a heartfelt, humorous and exciting tale about sibling rivalry, family love, courage and understanding what it means to be a big sister! The two children become both characters and storytellers as they bring audiences on a thrilling, imaginative journey. Gretel and Hansel will help encourage children to work together, appreciate their siblings and understand the importance of family love.

Our Parenting World – OPW Media team is pleased to be able to interview Tia Andrea Guttensohn and Joshua Lim, Cast of Gretel and Hansel to find out more. 

Exclusive Interview with Tia Andrea Guttensohn (Gretel)

1) Please share with us more about your background and what made you decide to pursue a career in acting?

I’m Singaporean and Austrian, and grew up in Singapore, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. I’ve moved houses, schools, and countries plenty of times in the past 23 years, but theatre has always been a constant (and very important!) part of my life. I suppose it was never really a question – I’ve always wanted to act, and now, I’m lucky enough to say I do it for a living!

2) Can you tell us more about your role in Gretel and Hansel and how do you prepare for it?

I play Gretel, the older sister of Hansel. She’s feisty and knows what she wants: a little bit of justice and some time to herself (with mum and dad, of course). She doesn’t actually mind Hansel, and deep down, she might even love him!

Joshua makes it pretty easy to slip into the role – he’s an annoying-brother sort of figure in real life too!

3) What are some of your favourite scenes in Gretel and Hansel?

It’s hard to pick, but I’d have to say the opening scene, any of Gretel and Hansel’s arguments and subsequent reconciliations, and all the little moments of theatre magic!

4) Do you have any advice to someone who aspires to be an actor?

Go for it! Theatre does wonders for everyone. Just be honest, and remember to breathe!

5) Lastly, what can audience expect when they come and watch Gretel and Hansel?

To smile a lot, worry a little, and feel like hugging/texting their sibling by the end of it.

Thank you Tia Andrea Guttensohn for taking our interview!

Exclusive Interview with Joshua Lim (Hansel)

1) Please share with us more about your background and what made you decide to pursue a career in acting?

I grew up pretty much performing since young, as a singer in the choir, or musician in the band. In my undergraduate days at the Singapore Management University, I was roped into a couple of musicals and plays. Sebastian Tan, the one who directed the musicals then, asked me if I wanted to turn professional. I remember the late Emma Yong also asking me after my performance to join the theatre fraternity. It was at that moment I decided to make a career in acting.

2) Can you tell us more about your role in Gretel and Hansel and what are some of your favourite scenes in Gretel and Hansel?

I play Hansel, the younger brother of Gretel. He may be a little mischievous, even misconstrued as self-centred, but he’s actually very good-natured and kind. My favourite scenes are the ones where we use various objects to create the different characters in the story, such as Mother and Father, and the Witch!

3) What are some of the challenging parts in acting out your character and how do you overcome it?

Hansel is much younger than myself! It’s quite a challenge but I relish it by finding my inner child, which I believe we all have no matter how old we get.

4) Do you have any advice to someone who aspires to be an actor?

You have to be really passionate about It! Maintain a positive attitude, and keep an open mind.

5) Lastly, do you have anything that you would like to add on and share with our readers about Gretel and Hansel and what can audience expect when they watch the musical?

Don’t expect the same old story of Hansel and Gretel. This is quite a different version to any of the ones you may have come across!

Thank you Joshua Lim for taking our interview!

Good News! Thanks to Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), we are giving away a pair of tickets for you to bring your child to watch Gretel and Hansel on Saturday, 23 March at 2pm. To participate in the giveaway, please go to http://ourparentingworld.com/gretel-and-hansel-and-tickets-giveaway/

Gretel and Hansel will be showing from Wednesday, 13 March to Friday, 26 April 2019 at KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT.

Gretel and Hansel