New stage: Wentworthville resident Roberta Muldoon plans to pursue acting. Picture: Gene Ramirez
As a young girl growing up in Ireland, Roberta Muldoon wanted two things — to have a family and to become an actress.
The once painfully-shy Wentworthville resident was diagnosed with cancer in March last year and a successful round of treatment has prompted her to renew her acting dream with the support of her family.
‘‘In the 90’s I did try going to a drama class, but I was still too shy so I didn’t pursue it,’’ Mrs Muldoon said.
‘‘Last year I was diagnosed with cancer and I had chemo, I had radiation, I had surgery and at the end of it all the doctor said I was a success story.
‘‘I thought 'Well, if I can overcome cancer ... I may not be any good [at acting] but I’m going to give it a go.’’
In January, she placed an ad on Gumtree seeking a drama group in the Parramatta area that offered acting classes for people between the ages of 40 and 60.
In the ad, she suggested if others were interested they could find a drama teacher and form their own group.
But she got no response.
‘‘Eighteen is the oldest they take, and I’m over 50," Ms Muldoon said.
‘‘I rang a group in Merrylands who said they don’t do them [acting classes] any more and even if they did they don’t for this age group.
‘‘There are people in their 80’s falling out of aeroplanes in their advanced age. I’m not in my advanced age yet.
‘‘At least now I feel I have the courage [to act].’’