ACTRESS Riena Diana is set to add another feather in her cap when she makes her stage debut in the comedy play 'Andak Bertandak'.
This, she said, was largely the result of her current boyfriend, actor Keith Foo.
In an interview with 'Harian Metro' recently, Riena, 27, whose real name is Nur Qamarina Diana Zulreal, said: "Keith is the reason why I chose to make a foray into theatre.
"Keith once starred in the play 'Ombak Rindu' at Istana Budaya, so he encouraged and convinced me to make my stage debut in the play 'Andak Bertandak'."
Riena, who was met at the launch of 'Andak Bertandak' in Mafioso Restaurant, Puchong, Selangor recently, added: "He told me to do it to prove my versatility in acting.
"If I can learn the ropes of theatre with big names like Ellie Suriaty Omar, why not?"
Riena does not deny that being in a relationship with another arts practitioner gaves them an advantage as a couple, as they understood the commitments of their careers.
She admitted that they had less time together, but they always tried to be there for each other.
"Having a partner in the same industry is an advantage because the individual understands his job and mine, and he can put himself in my shoes.
"In addition, we can discuss work challenges, especially when I have problems with scripts or acting.
"Right now we are busy with our acting schedules. But, if we want to meet, I can come to his filming location or vice versa," she said.
Asked about tying the knot, Riena said that it was "way too early".
She said she needed to get to know Foo better since they had only been in a relationship for four months.
Riena said starting a family was not something that should be rushed, for it required careful planning, and trust and understanding.
"I don't have any plans yet because we just met. Now, we are getting to know each other."
In June, Riena revealed that her relationship with Foo began on the set of TV3 romantic drama series 'Salju Rindu'.
Foo married entrepreneur Kim Raymond in November 2015, but divorced four years later.
They have a daughter, Skylar, who is now 7 years old.
Asked about her preparations for the play, Riena admitted that she was nervous about performing in front of a live audience.
"In the beginning, I was a bit scared because I didn't have any experience, but when the producers at Mask Team informed me of the star-studded cast, which includes Ellie Suriaty and Azhan Rani, I was delighted and chose to challenge myself.
"I want to use this opportunity to increase my knowledge as an actress because it is not easy to act with a team of theatre greats," she said.
'Andak Bertandak' will be staged on Aug 29, 30 and 31 and Sept 1 at Stage 2 of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), Sentul Park, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur.
'Andak Bertandak' is directed by Azhar Zainal, and is written by Fasyali Fadzly, who is also Theatre Faculty dean at the National Culture, Arts and Heritage Academy.
The cast of the play also includes Jay Iswazir Ismail, Dottie, Aizat Saha, Fadhli Masoot and Razman Mahayuddin.
'Andak Bertandak' revolves around the life of the Andak family and their neighbours in a small village who believe in superstition to the point of rejecting modern medicine and information technology.
Riena said the play was full of community and family messages.
In addition it will be presented in a light and audience-friendly style.
"Even though it is a comedy farce, 'Andak Bertandak'will leave a very deep impression with the audience," she said.