From the soccer field to the stage, there's no looking back for Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (the Con) alumnus Vidya Makan, having taken on the role of Eliza in Hamilton the musical.
Now playing at Sydney's Lyric Theatre for its final Australian season, the Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier and Pulitzer prize-winning musical is a revolutionary tale of passion and ambition accompanied by a score of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway.
Ms Makan said landing the role of Eliza was a dream for her.
"I feel like it's the peak of my career," she said.
"Who knows, maybe I'll keep climbing, but it's definitely a really, really special moment in time for me.
"There's a reason Hamilton is the biggest show in the world and why it's become the company it is.
"It's written with true genius but there's something so special about being surrounded by people who all have such a similar but very different experience in this world, and being led by other people of colour - I've never felt more 'myself'.
"We have such an incredible cast and creative team and I fall in love with everybody in that room more and more each day."
Ms Makan's love for music started early, with her parents often taking her to see musicals.
While she enjoyed the shows and soon became an avid pianist and cellist, her dream was originally to be in the pit of the musicals playing with the orchestra, or to keep playing soccer and become a Matilda!
It wasn't until she was cast in her high school production of My Fair Lady that her true passion became clear.
"I just fell in love with the storytelling and community that comes with doing a theatre show," Ms Makan said.
"I started taking heaps of lessons and worked really hard, and ended up studying musical theatre at the Con.
"I felt really seen by my tutors - they saw a strength in me and a power for storytelling, and gave me opportunities and challenges to step into.
"They helped me see my own potential and really set me up to work in this industry."
There is no doubt Ms Makan has made some serious impressions since graduating, with reviews lauding her powerful vocals and depth of character.
"Catherine Parr [in SIX] is played by Vidya Makan, who blows the roof off with stunning vocals and - crucially - carries the show into a denouement that could, in less confident hands, feel far too treacly."
– The Guardian
"With a stunning lower register and imposing presence, Makan was the perfect casting choice for Papa Ge [in Once On This Island]. While there was darkness in Makan's performance, this was skilfully balanced with moments of understanding and light."
– Theatre Haus
Ms Makan also recently had her composer/lyricist debut, writing a show called The Lucky Country.
The musical delves deep into the themes of identity and belonging, exploring what it means to be Australian.
"It's a heartfelt, wildly entertaining and joyful celebration of who we can be as Australians."
