Performed in Russian with English surtitles, the play is Creative Artel Plus-Minus's third production since its formation in 2007.
Based on Blaise, a piece written by French actor, director, playwright and screenwriter Claude Magnier, Parisian Life is a comedic romantic romp in which the heroes are swamped with unexpected events and misunderstandings.
Four years prior to forming the company, Fomina, who now lives in Beach Haven, performed with the Russian Youth Cultural Centre.
"I eventually realised I needed more creative control, so I started Plus-Minus,'' she says.
The company has evolved into a family affair. Her architect father, Serguei Fomine, is sharing directing duties with her while her mother, Irina Kouzakova, is helping with costumes and feeding the cast. "It's hard to be on- and off-stage at the same time, so I
volunteered to direct the play with Margarita,'' says Fomine.
"Working together on the play has been really great. We call each other every day and discuss the play more than anything else.''
The family involvement extends to Margarita's fiance, Alexander Khimich, joining the cast recently in the lead male role.
"He had been covering for the former lead actor so much that we decided to get him to play the part instead,'' says Fomina. Khimich also translated the play for the surtitling.
"I've run the text by my Kiwi friends to make sure I've got the lingo and idioms right,'' he says. "Our aim is to make the production as inclusive as possible - to attract as many people from as many nationalities and cultures as we can.''
Pages of Parisian Life, The Rose Centre, School Rd, Belmont, Jan 28-30. Tickets: phone Skazka on 523 1453.
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