Maurice Podbrey returned from Canada to South Africa 14 years ago after being awarded the Order of Canada for his distinguished theatrical career. Back in SA he formed the Mopo Cultural Trust, which aims to develop new talent.

He is especially proud of his collaboration with Lara Foot and toured her play Tshepang internationally. His work with Vusi Mazibuko and Thami Mbongo in developing and producing A Plague of Heroes has been a highlight – it won the Best of the Ikhwezi Theatre Festival at the Baxter Theatre Centre in 2009.

He is the producer of Did we dance: Ukutshona ko Mendi (The sinking of the Mendi).

When he is not busy in the theatre he travels the world. He shares some of his experiences.

What countries have you visited?

I have visited several countries in Africa – Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland and Morocco. I’ve also travelled extensively in Europe, including the old East Germany, visited a lot of Asia including China, Thailand and Bali, and then the Pacific countries of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. I’ve also been to the Americas and the Middle East.

What was your favourite place?

I spent time in Istanbul two years ago. It was stunning and I can highly recommend Turkey. The mosques were absolutely beautiful to visit. I was amazed at their beauty and serenity.

What was your worst experience?

I was searched by a young immigration officer in Perth who wouldn’t understand that I was travelling internationally with only a backpack.

“What’s the problem, officer?” I asked.

“People your age don’t travel like this. Are you carrying diamonds?” he asked.

“No,” I replied, “And if I were, do you think I’d tell you?”

Big mistake! Never try to banter with immigration officers. It was after midnight by the time he finished going through my shirt seams and I still had to find my way to a hostel. This certainly didn’t improve my general impression of Australians.

What was your funniest experience?

Encountering subscribers to my Montreal Theatre everywhere I went – we had over 10 000 subscribers. This included an island in Lake Titicaca in Peru, in Rosh Pina, a small Israeli town near the Lebanese border, and walking around an art gallery in Bali, where I was innocently accompanied by two charming Balinese ladies from the place I was staying in… I had to write home straight away.

Your favourite food and restaurant during your travels?

Well, there’s this little Bulgarian restaurant in Odessa on Ikaterinskaya Street that was delectable. The food was exquisitely cooked and the service was outstanding.

What do you avoid during your travels?

I make a point of avoiding hotels with familiar names. Actually, for me it would be most hotels, since I much prefer hostels. They are more interesting and you get to meet far more interesting and diverse people at every level. Of course, they are also cheaper so you can get around to do more exciting things.

Your favourite watering hole?

I’m not much of a “sundowner” type but, if pressed, something overlooking the sea.

What tips would you give fellow travellers?

Try (hard as it may be) to settle for half the luggage you reckon you’ll need and try to avoid having to check it in. Also watch your belongings all the time in Peru and in Prague as well. - Weekend Argus

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