Daniela Coppini is a teacher of French who is also very keen on theatre. She has played several roles on the stage so far including Irma Bondel in Une vie, la vie, sa vie… a French play about Guy de Maupassant by theatre@lliance, last year. Daniela has been involved in the French local scene for many years and in 2001, was one of the four Maltese candidates in a very popular France 3 programme Questions pour un champion.

She is part of the cast of Theatrencore’s production of Shadows & Gods which is showing next weekend 27, 28, 29 April at St James Cavalier at 7.30pm and which is directed by Tyrone Grima. Daniela plays the part of Régine de Montille, the rich and famous French courtesan, who is murdered by her lover Henri Pranzini, in Paris, in 1887.

Daniela is fascinated by this 19th century episode in French history and is very excited to play the part of Régine and is looking forward to bringing this intriguing character back to life. Playing the part of someone who truly existed is very demanding she finds. But Daniela could not get hold of enough material about Régine and has read all she could to understand this character and how she got involved with Pranzini, who murdered her and hopes that if Régine were around she would be proud of her.

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How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

I’m 34. My star sign is Cancer (possessive and passionate… so beware). I was born on 21 July 1972.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

A Victor Hugo performance at the Opera Garnier! No, no… more or less the same as now.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being on holiday with the people I love most, that is, my son Julian and my husband Nick.

What is your favourite occupation?

Teaching French… it’s a passion for me.

Significant other?

Getting up to some mischief with Theatrencore’s productions!

What is your greatest fear?

Cockroaches.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Solidarity and compassion.

How would you like to die?

Quick!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Travelling and shopping maybe.

What is your greatest regret?

No regrets so far, thank God.

What is your most treasured possession?

My foundation makeup!

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

I wish I could sing. Musicals are a no-no for me. I can’t even hum in tune.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Sickness.

Significant other?

Nick and Julian.

Where would you like to live?

In the south of France, St Paul de Vence probably. Second preference – Rome.

What is your most marked characteristic?

The people around me say I’m very energetic – especially during rehearsals.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

My parents.

What is it that you most dislike?

Smoking and chewing-gum (my students will love this one!)

What is your motto?

Life is short… live it to the max!