For Pai Rathaya, the boundary between a professional career and a personal daydream is intentionally thin. A freelance set designer for theatre, Rathaya has built a life that spans continents—born in Australia, currently residing in Bangkok, and training at the Lir Academy in Ireland. It is a trajectory defined by a refusal to adhere to conventional expectations, summarized by a simple, self-described philosophy: “I’m a dreamer and never realistic.”
This embrace of the unrealistic is not merely a personality trait but a creative engine. In the world of theatrical set design, the ability to envision a space that does not yet exist is the primary requirement of the job. Currently, Rathaya is applying this vision to a production of The Sound of Music at the Cork Opera House, a project that brings a full-circle moment to a lifelong obsession with the classic musical.
The connection to the production is deeply personal. Rathaya’s earliest childhood memory is watching The Sound of Music with cousins at a grandmother’s house, a passion sparked by an uncle who first introduced the work. Now, tasked with designing the physical world for the story, Rathaya navigates the tension between the rigid requirements of a stage and the fluid nature of a dream.
The Architecture of a Perfectly Imperfect Life
Rathaya’s approach to life and art is heavily influenced by the concept of wabi-sabi, the Japanese aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience, and imperfection. Having recently read “Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom For A Perfectly Imperfect Life,” Rathaya applies this lens to both professional work and personal growth. It is a mindset that allows for the coexistence of contradictions: being a “spendthrift” who wishes to be a saver, or a “night owl” struggling with the guilt of needing eight hours of sleep.
This philosophy extends to the way Rathaya interacts with family and community. With a sprawling family network including two parents and 18 cousins, the designer has found a way to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps through art. Rathaya notes that the book “Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite” changed their life, leading them to share the nearly picture-book style text with cousins who struggle with English, turning a potential feeling of inadequacy into a shared moment of connection.
The transition from a dreamer to a practitioner involves a constant negotiation with reality. While the desire to live in Ireland remains a primary goal, the current reality of living in Bangkok provides a different kind of inspiration. Rathaya describes a love for the city’s food—specifically a signature Thai green curry with mushrooms—even while admitting that almost everything else about the local area could be improved.
Managing the Chaos of Creativity
Maintaining a creative spirit often requires a structured way to handle the emotional fallout. For Rathaya, this manifests in small, grounding rituals. When self-control wavers, Rathaya finds solace in a specific lyric: “How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?” This internal anchor serves as a counterbalance to the “evil side” that Rathaya describes as a point of pride when finally shared with a therapist.
The professional life of a freelance designer is inherently unstable, yet Rathaya views this as a feature rather than a bug. The joy of the work outweighs the insecurity of the freelance hustle. This passion is evident in how Rathaya envisions their legacy; rather than seeking a permanent monument to their name, the focus is on the immediate utility of their skill. “Before I die: hire available! I love my job!”
The influence of this “unrealistic” dreaming can be seen in the specific tastes and habits that shape Rathaya’s daily existence:
- Aural Landscapes: A preference for podcasts over traditional radio and a penchant for jazz.
- Culinary Preferences: A fondness for Miyazaki in Cork and the vibrant flavors of Bangkok.
- Emotional Drivers: A deep-seated happiness derived from friendship, love, and the simple act of smiling.
From the Lir Academy to the Opera House
The journey to the Cork Opera House began with formal training at the Lir Academy, an institution known for producing high-caliber theatre professionals. The transition from student to freelance designer requires a shift from theoretical dreaming to the practicalities of construction, lighting, and spatial dynamics. Yet, the “dreamer” mentality remains essential; without it, the stage remains a mere floor rather than a portal to another world.
The production of The Sound of Music serves as a testament to the power of returning to one’s roots. By designing the sets for a story that defined their childhood, Rathaya is essentially mapping a memory. This process is not about realistic recreation, but about capturing the essence of the story—solving the “problem like Maria” through visual storytelling.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Cork Opera House |
| Opening Date | Thursday, July 23 |
| Role | Freelance Set Designer |
| Training | Lir Academy |
being “never realistic” is a strategic choice. In a world that often demands conformity and predictability, Rathaya’s commitment to the dream allows for a life that is geographically diverse and emotionally honest. It is a reminder that the most successful “unrealistic” dreams are those backed by rigorous training and a willingness to embrace the imperfect.
The current production of The Sound of Music is scheduled to open on Thursday, July 23, at the Cork Opera House, marking the next major milestone in Rathaya’s professional timeline.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the balance between realism and dreaming in the comments below.
