Today we’d like to introduce you to Reshma Meister.
Hi Reshma, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been doing theatre since I was a little kid. The first play I was in was called “clowns”. I played varsity tennis in high school so I didn’t act in any plays but I really wanted to. So, I majored in theatre in undergrad (minored in philosophy and English) and then got my MFA in acting. All along the way, I’ve been making dumb videos and writing poetry and personal essays. I just make stuff as a way of processing my experience. I got my first job here in LA last year at Fashion Brand Company and they let me focus on making funny videos and writing copy. It was a great job. Now I’m a full-time performer. I perform clown and solo comedy pieces around town and I’m lucky enough to be in a few different ensembles. I’m building a two-woman show with my best friend Sarah Shtern and we’re taking it to Edinburgh Fringe Festival after we study clown for a month with Philippe Gaulier. And I’m currently in bed, eating hot chips, watching Indian Matchmaker. thank you for having me 🙂
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Oh boy, I am blessed beyond belief but there have been many struggles within my family, within my community, and within myself. It’s all connected. It ultimately led to a dark period of nihilism and self-destruction which felt really freeing at the time but then totally sucked because I abused my body and wore out my relationships. I’m sure many people can relate. Not good. Artistically, I’d say my biggest challenges have been telling the truth and being present. Establishing boundaries, saying no to people, stepping away from projects that do not align with me, and knowing the difference between fear and caution. Like, feeling the difference between fear that you’re supposed to honor and submit to and fear that you should waive and push through. I’m still figuring it out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do mostly live performances that’s heavily influenced by clowns. I like creating bits that allow me to connect with the audience and then maybe one or two people more intimately. For example, I do this bit where I give someone in the audience a free Sleep Number consultation and the last step is for them to lay directly on top of me (or whichever way feels comfy for them). I’m always feeling it out because there is a clear power dynamic. I have power just by being the person in charge of the bit, so what the audience gets to witness is a silly but serious negotiation of boundaries. I have tons of experience with having my boundaries violated–both within the theatre and within my personal life — so maybe I’ve created this bit to empower myself and to explore and honor the boundaries of a stranger.
I also do an Avatar bit where I use a pair of jumper cables as my tail and I bond with people and objects. I grew up pretty socially awkward so I think now I’m using theatre to make a connection with people.
The bit I’m currently working on is one where I play with these long stretches of plastic that I waive around with a stick. I think it’s really beautiful. And I recently met a harpist named Katie Lample, who plays with me. She’s incredible.
My favorite thing I’ve made so far is my solo show which centers around my romantic bond with my printer. I think I’m obsessed with bonding and conception. It’s incredible that we can come up with an idea and then produce a new reality to share with people. We are setting images that become the fabric of our reality. It’s like Roblox, lol. I also just want to show people something they’ve never seen before. Something they cannot see on the internet. They have to see it in person.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
All About Love by Bell Hooks
Jessa Reed
Monica Hernandez
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadetkellykapoor/
Image Credits
1. Monique Hernandez 2. Sara Sabzi 3. Greg Feiner 4. Greg Feiner 5. Moses Venegas 6. unknown 7. Keida Mascaro 8. Monique Hernandez 9. Carolina Andujar
