OSBORNE Park resident Krysia Wiechecki is getting used to hearing gasps from theatre audiences during performances of the play Double Diagnosis.
The 28-year-old has a lead role in the psychological thriller about a young woman suffering amnesia who unexpectedly arrives on the doorstep of a married couple on Halloween night.
Having lost their own daughter, the couple take the girl in as their own before some startling revelations.
“There are murmurs from the audience and definitely gasps as people are shocked with what happens – there’s a few nervous laughs too,” Wiechecki said.
Her role as “the girl” marks a first in the thriller genre, but the chance to appear in a play written by a Perth author also prompted her to get involved.
Penned by actress Alice Dale, the original play has since had another life as a book and gone through a few changes to help heighten the drama on stage.
“I like local arts and this murder mystery has a story that keeps the audience guessing – I can’t give too much away without spoiling the surprise,” she said.
Equipped with her drama degree, Wiechecki spent a couple of years treading the boards in London and took part in several plays including Lysistrata, which travelled to Prague.
After a short break from acting when she returned to Perth in 2007, she has since moved into teaching youngsters about dance, drama and music, as well as making time for stage roles.
“Acting has always been my passion, acting makes me feel alive,” she said.
“I just hope to keep immersing myself in acting and looking for more roles.”
The Town Square Theatre in Kalamunda will host several performances of Double Diagnosis until Saturday, August 7. Tickets start at $15, call 9293 2621 for bookings.