NIDA BOX SEAT | SEPT 2008 
STAGE RIGHT

This month we chat with Marko Jovanovic, one NIDA’s 2nd year acting students soon appearing at "the Chef" in The Kitchen in the Parade Theatre.  It seems "the Chef" may have taken over....

Most memorable NIDA experience?
Assembly on my first day [as a student at NIDA].  I was at Hogwarts, the Director Aubrey Mellor was channelling Dumbledore and welcoming everyone.   I sat as Harry – excited and intimidated not knowing what to expect.

If your life were a theatre act what would it be called? 
Out of the Pot and into the Fire

What’s the drama in your life?
Customers - they whinge, they complain, they think that they know how to cook better than me and my staff.  Thirty five years I have been doing this – but they know better. OK .. no worries Mr Customer.  Also I need to keep absolutely still and wrinkle-free for the next three weeks. Of course, I do have some help with my uniform from the Costume Course students and their trusty steamers.

Favourite spot for pre-theatre dinner?
My restaurant, The Tivoli, cheap food, quick service and I'm always on time to the show.  I recommend the soup.

Most treasured theatrical moment?
One night performing Othello to a full house, we began the fight and I noticed the other actor's weapon had disappeared.  The fight is integral to the story so we couldn't not do it.  Solving that was quite exciting.

What prompts you to act?
My therapist.

Ever been upstaged? 
Yes, but that person wasn't around long enough to do it again.

Advice for all budding thespians?
If you want a chance to work for me, apply to study at NIDA - forms available at the NIDA website or pick up one and send it in by 30 September.  Don't be late ... oh yes ... and don't ever upstage me!!