I don't have a theatre/film 'mother' or 'father'. I feel that doing that would inhibit me in one way or another. It is great to work with different people of different ages and different experiences because you learn more. Caging yourself to one or two particular actors or practitioners will make you focus on just the experience they have. There's a big world out there, and many actors and drama practitioners and teachers to work with and learn from, and create beautiful work with.
WERE YOU TRAINED? WHERE?
Yes I was. I started my drama training in high school. I went to National School of Arts from grade 9 to Matric. And then continued on to study at Wits University where I completed my BA(Dramatic Arts) honours degree.
DO YOU REMEMBER THE HOUR YOU DECIDED TO BE AN ACTRESS?
Not the hour lol! But I discovered my passion in 1999 when I joined the drama club in primary school. I was in grade 5. And I enjoyed it, it seemed so natural to me, and when I found out that it can be a career, I knew exactly what I wanted to be.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EMBARRASSING MOMENT?
Hahaha! I don't remember embarrassing moments. I crtl-alt-delete them from my memory. Lol!
WHAT DO AUDITIONS MEAN TO YOU? AND HOW DO YOU PREPARE?
Auditions are try-outs. They not my favourite thing but they are necessary in the industry. The mistake many actors make regarding auditions is that they want to show the casting director what they think the casting director wants to see. That messes with your confidence because you end up second guessing yourself, increasing the nerves and blunder you audition. Instead give thought to your character, show them what you understand and what you think the character should be. This decreases nerves & u have more confidence in your performance. Being nervous doesn't help the situation, but nerves can be channelled into the right energy.
ANY DIFFICULTIES YOU FACED IN THIS INDUSTRY?
The greatest difficulty is when one goes on for months without work. Besides the fact that money would be an issue, it is the fact that you're not working, not being creative, not playing that drives you mad. But then again you don't have to be jobless as an actor, as long as you are a creative thinker you can create your own work.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER YOU EVER PORTRAYED?
Every character is special in its own right. Every story is unique and to be respected individually. I've had fun with character because they are different. I've had fun even playing an extra. Each character creates a unique experience, so I can't say I've had one favourite character.
FILM OR THEATRE?
These are two very different mediums, and are both strong in their own place. There are things that film can do which theatre can't and vice versa. So I say both.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUNG PERFORMERS?
If you got the true passion for performing, then don't be afraid or discouraged to get an education in it. Get training. You can spot the difference between a trained and an untrained actor. Be open to learning and receiving constructive criticism. And know the difference between constructive and destructive criticism because that could be the difference between nurturing and destroying your dreams.
WHAT DO YOU HATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
I don't hate anything about my work, coz I love what I do. Yes there are things that I don't like, like working 12 hour days everyday for 6-8 weeks, you get exhausted when working too hard. Or I don't like those moments when creative juices dry up & exhaustion takes over, not a fun space to be in. But even those moments are in their own right necessary, because work gets done. And when performing & doing what you love, you feel it, but don't really feel it. You feel me? ha ha ha.
IS IT A CAREER OR A HOBBY?
It is definitely not a hobby. This is my career.
