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Reena Krishnaraja (21) was the youngest winner of the SRF 3 Best Talent Comedy 2022 Award two years ago. Her parents are from Sri Lanka and she was born in Grub in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. "Kurkuma" is the name of her first full-length solo program.
1 | Reena, you are from Appenzell with Tamil roots. Difficult culture clash or exciting multicultural advantage?
For a long time in my life, I found it rather stressful to grow up with two cultures, to be different from the children at school and to have to choose between the two cultures again and again. When I started doing comedy, however, I learned to appreciate the added value. You can take on several perspectives in certain situations and are perhaps more open-minded to a certain extent.
2 | The description on your website says that you are "perhaps a bit naive". Does naivety also have advantages?
I think that naivety brings with it a certain lightness that you have as a newcomer. The lack of experience (be it in comedy or life in general, haha!) makes you appear more authentic. But you can also put your foot in one or two paws - which you would rather have avoided. So it has advantages and disadvantages.
3 | You ventured onto the comedy stage at the age of 17. Where did you find the courage?
When you start early, you don't have that much to lose. Back then, I was only interested in getting a good grade for my A-levels, I didn't worry about the rest.
4 | Your program is called "Turmeric". What connects you to this spice?
My home, my mommy and Tamil cuisine. Turmeric is in the aroma, and that's how I sometimes feel in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. That's why the title of my first solo program, which is all about me and my life, is Turmeric. Part of Tamil and even Swiss culture.
5 | Turmeric is also used as a medicine. Is your comedy program also a kind of medicine?
I try to use humor to lighten up even negative topics. In this way, I can touch people who are affected on a different level. My program is not a medicine, but perhaps a "healing" tea.