Roshina Ratnam’s world is one where imagination breathes, stories move, and even the inanimate comes alive. As an artist, director, puppeteer, and national councillor for UNIMA South Africa, she stands at the heart of a growing creative movement that blends performance, education, and community. Her journey, which began in the homeland of Bophuthatswana, is a testament to the power of curiosity and the transformative nature of storytelling. This curiosity found its form in theatre and later, in puppetry — an art that, as she says, “demands humility; to serve the puppet, you must step aside from ego.” Through her company, Inala Theatre, and collaborations with Magnet Theatre, Roshina continues to push the boundaries of physical and children’s theatre. Her award-winning production Lumka won the Fleur du Cap for Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Audiences in 2020, with Surge (2024) and Glimmer (2025) following as celebrated nominees. She also spearheaded the UNIMA SA Puppetry Masterclass Series, creating a vibrant network for artists across the country. For Roshina, puppetry is more than performance — it’s empathy in motion. “Trust the process,” she says. “If you stay present and faithful to the work, the truth always reveals itself.”
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Arts Majors in English and Drama, University of Cape Town
- Performers Diploma, University of Cape Town
ACHIEVEMENTS
I am most proud of spearheading the UNIMA South Africa Puppetry Masterclass Series, which brought together artists from across the country to train, share, and connect — a project that has continued to build community and promote skill-sharing in our field. I’m also proud of my work in theatre for young audiences. In 2020, our production Lumka won the Fleur du Cap Award for Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Audiences. I then went on to work with Magnet Theatre, where I directed Surge (2024) and Glimmer (2025), both of which received Fleur du Cap nominations for Best Theatre Production for Children and Young Audiences. These recognitions mean a great deal to me because children’s theatre is often overlooked, yet it is one of the most vital and imaginative spaces in our cultural landscape. Magnet Theatre’s long-standing commitment to physical theatre and youth development aligns deeply with my own values — nurturing empathy, discipline, and creativity in young artists. Finally, I am proud to have had the opportunity to travel, share the South African artist’s experience, and continue learning from the global puppetry community that has become my extended family.
