Art of not wasting a good life crisis

Actress Micaela Jade Tucker is about to take to the Johannesburg stage with her show, A Doll’s Life – Confessions of a Quarter Life Crisis. The SA Jewish Report speaks to her about it.

What inspired you to write A Doll’s Life?

As I began approaching the end of my 25th year, I decided to finally get my act together – pun intended – and gift myself a one-woman show. Creating this piece has long been a dream of mine, which I procrastinated for more than a year, so I felt that this milestone was the perfect moment to bring it to life. It’s a summation and reflection of my experiences thus far or rather, it’s the confessions of my quarter life crisis. The play opened in Cape Town over my 26th birthday, and what a celebration it was!

How did you go about writing it and putting the show together?

I first wrote the show in episodes, documenting various stories from my young adult life that stood out and fitted the overall theme of what I wanted the show to be about. I would jot down these memories, conversations, and moments and over time, a central storyline emerged. Once the foundation was laid and I had pieced all the episodes together, I sought a director, and together, we fine-tuned the narrative, shaping it into what it is today.

How much of it is autobiographical, and how does it feel to expose so much of yourself?

I would say that about 90% of the show is autobiographical. Though not everything happened to me personally, it reflects the experiences of those close to me. It all comes from true events, which is why it feels so relatable and universal. It has been a liberating process to be transparent and vulnerable and confront the notion of “shame”.

What is it about turning 25 that is so monumental, particularly for women?

I’d say, based on personal experience, it’s the first time in your young adult life when you truly start to confront certain realities and have to take ownership and responsibility of all that’s happening to you and around you. At this point, you’ve experienced enough of life to gain perspective, but you’re also still figuring out who you are and where you’re heading. It’s a time of transition, where the weight of the future begins to feel more real. I start the show saying that by 25, my mother was married. I think this is enough of a teaser to get your taste buds ready for what this quarterly crisis unpacks.

With young women, there are a number of holy cows that we don’t discuss. What are they, and why do you think we steer clear of them?

There are tons of unspoken expectations of young women regarding relationships, sexuality, body image, career choices, and even the pressure to have it all figured out by a certain age. Topics like a woman’s sexual health and liberation are considered too taboo to discuss. This societal judgement can actually be harmful. If we don’t feel comfortable to be able to talk about these things, how will we be able to tell if something actually isn’t right or needs to be checked? Having open conversations in which no topics are off limits can actually save a life. Pap smears aren’t taboo, they are a necessity. Sexuality isn’t something to be ashamed of, it’s part of human nature.

Does being Jewish impact on those holy cows? If so, in what way?

Definitely. Cultural and religious traditions often come with their own set of expectations, particularly around family, marriage, and identity. There’s a strong emphasis on finding a partner, building a family, and maintaining certain values that sometimes feel at odds with modern ideas of independence and self-discovery. In Judaism, we are advised to be modest and stay conservative and at the same time, Judaism also encourages deep questioning and discussion, which can be liberating. I suppose it’s a balance between honouring tradition and challenging the narratives that may not serve us anymore.

You deal with issues most people don’t discuss on stage. Do you do it offstage?

Oh for sure! My offstage self is just as much an over-sharer – there’s no acting here. Though, while I’m mostly an open book, like the play, there are some things that are just meant to stay private, especially if it involves others, and I’ll always respect that.

What drew you to acting?

Being the centre of attention is my love language. But really, it’s just something I’ve always known I wanted to do. It’s primal and instinctual.

You’ve performed in television with Makoti; you’ve been on YoTV; in the film Just Now Jeffrey; and in the Netflix series Miseducation, to name a few. Which is your favourite medium?

Theatre (duh!!!) The live medium is such a thrill and recharge of energy for me. It fills my cup, and it’s my greatest joy, which is why this show was the greatest gift and way to celebrate my birthday because there’s nothing I’d rather do with my time.

Are you generally typecast into playing Jewish women? If so, why do you think this is and how do you feel about it?

I must admit, I’m yet to play a non-Jewish role. It must be the nose, (lol). I think I must just bring a certain energy to the audition when casting for a Jewish character. I’m hoping to take on other roles but I haven’t minded being the token Jewish girl thus far. Each character has still been unique and different to the last, as people are people, and we all have our quirks, Jewish or not.

• A Doll’s Life – Confessions of a Quarter Life Crisis is on from 19-25 March at Theatre on The Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton. Tickets now on Quicket.