Toronto-born Ngozi Paul is an actor, producer and the founder of Ngozika Productions. Named one of Toronto’s top ten actors by NOW Magazine, Paul is a graduate of Rawlinson Public School and an alumnus of the National Screen Institute’s 2005 Spark Plug program.

This month she appears in Canadian Stage’s Love & Information. With an ensemble of actors performing over 100 roles, the play confronts the data overload that bombards us every day, painting an instantly recognizable portrait of modern human connection and disconnection.

We chatted with her this week.

SDTC: What’s at the top of your bucket list?

NP: Becoming a legit surfer and a farmer.

What’s your go-to song for getting stuff done?

Pretty much anything thing by Bey. Or Kendrick Lamar.

What are you sick of hearing about?

He who shall not be named…

What are you reading/watching/listening to these days?

Reading: Trust me I’m lying by Ryan Holiday
Watching: Just finished The OA on Netflix. And Black Panther over and over again.
Listening: Anything Les Brown has to say.

What advice would you give to your fourteen-year-old self?

The same thing I say to myself now. Have a blast and just go for it.

What does your ideal Saturday look like?

I keep the Sabbath so that means Saturday I am not working. I unplug and spend the day resting and focused on spiritual service and expansion. If I’m in a show on Sabbath, I say a special prayer and dedicate the work to the community. It helps me stay focused on service.

What word/phrase should we use more often?

“Thank you.”

Fave rainy day comfort food? Or activity?

Netflix and chill with Indian food…Saag Paneer, garlic naan, mango lassi and cashew milk ice cream.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A philanthropist. I remember the first time I heard that term. I said to myself clearly, “That is what I want to be.” I love giving.

What was your favourite game/toy as a child?

My record player. I used to play records and make up stories to the songs.

What adult task would you like to get better at?

Cooking.

If you could spend a year studying something, what would it be?

Surfing, permaculture, singing. Wait, that’s three years…

What’s your idea of happiness?

For me, happiness is being at peace. Living joyfully with family and friends. Being creative.

Love and Information is on stage now at the Berkeley Street Theatre until April 29. Get tickets here.