Bright blue eyes gleaming with mischievous humour belie the seriousness underlying Helen Houghton's extrovert approach to life.
This remarkable lady, who has variably been an academic teacher, actress, director and producer of plays, and author of books dealing with the history of South African towns and villages, has the modesty of the authentic achiever.
Unlike most women of a certain age, who tend to be coy about references to their years, she interlards conversation with comments like "I'm no spring chicken" and "I've been around the block a few times, you know!" - all of which adds to the impression of warm artlessness that endears her to her acquaintances.
A Capetonian born and bred, she studied drama at the University of Cape Town under the great Roasalie van der Gucht, who soon identified Houghton's natural talent for directing.
"She nudged me in that direction," says this grande dame of theatre.
"When I left university to live with my widowed mother in Port Elizabeth, I discovered a vibrant theatre scene there, and I began the Theatre Workshop.
"My first big production was under that banner; it was Jean Anouilh's Point of Departure, and it was quite a challenge! Like my friend and colleague, the late Donald Inskip, I have a great love of French theatre."
Inskip is only one of several names she mentions in the course of the interview: it turns out that one of her most successful students, whom she trained while lecturing at UCT in the education department, was Geoff Hyland, and Leslie French collaborated with her in early Shakespeare productions at Maynardville - which brings us to her most recent venture.
She was approached by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Cape Town to direct the first open-air staging of a G&S work, Iolanthe.
"It's a demanding undertaking," she comments.
"It's recognised as an opera rather than an operetta, with important solos and choruses. There's that huge chorus of 20 minutes that forms the finale of act one, which needs a big build-up.
"And, for good measure, we don't have much time for rehearsal - only two and a half months - which is why they wanted an experienced director."
She is unashamedly delighted to direct a production for the Maynardville open-air theatre, with which she has long had a connection.
Her love for Wynberg, where she lives, led her to write a study of the village which became a book, and subsequently earned her a doctorate.
Initially, the work covered this area from the 18th century to 1927 and, with typical determination, she decided to complete the project. The result? An impressive volume titled Wynberg -
A Special Place, taking the study up to the year 2000.
Maynardville is central to the work, and Houghton is on the board committed to upgrading the old and famous park.
"The City Council has given us a grant of R300 000 for this project, and it's timeous, because the end of 2005 will bring the 50th anniversary of Maynardville," she smiles.
"There are all sorts of plans in the pipeline, like building a band-stand, having weddings in the park, upgrading the theatre, having restaurants..."
Her enthusiasm is infectious, extending to many spheres beyond theatre - although this is clearly her first love.
Her master's degree on the forced removals at Greyton; her academic experience; the many aspiring actors and directors she has assisted in training - all of this she sums up with simple joy: "It's been such a pleasure!"
One suspects there will be plenty more to come.