Hopeful thespians throng auditions
It was an opportunity to feature in South African television productions
Hungry for an opportunity to spread their wings in the developed South African television industry, multitudes of Batswana poured into Awil College this past Saturday. The occasion was the free open auditions held by New Look Studios in partnership with Semi House Production, DSK Films, Awil College and Word of Mouth Pictures. It had been anticipated that the auditions would take place from morning until 1800hrs, but it soon emerged that the turn out would be double what organisers might have anticipated. Ahead of the auditions, the budding thespians were busy outside, rehearsing and practising their craft.
By lunch time, organisers had to turn back those who were still hoping to get their chance in front of the panelists. Most of those who were turned back, were not happy at this turn of events, as they had hoped that they too might possibly get a chance to follow in the footsteps of other Batswana who have worked in the South African television industry.
The special guests for the auditions were Dr Duma Ndlovu of Muvhango, accompanied by Dingaan Siyabonga who plays the role of James Motsamai in the soapie. Ndlovu has done exceptionally well in the South African soapie/ drama industry, and has other productions that include Uzalo, Imbewu, and also happens to be casting director for Disney’s The Lion King for all of their international shows. In recent years, he has embraced Botswana talent, with several actors and actresses appearing on his Muvhango.
These include Sharon Seno who currently plays the role of Marang, Maxwell Dichi who portrayed lawyer Seretse, Gaosi Raditholo who played the role of Wawa, Marang’s Sister. In 2021, Angela Atlang who acts as Itseng, the sister to Motsamai, joined the growing number of local talents exports who are part of the soapie.
Besides the actors, local songstress, Debbie with a T clinched the role of Rafiki on The Lion King.
One of the turned away was an actress, who declined to share her identity. The actress has appeared in a number of local productions and has some still in the pipeline. Like some in attendance, she had hoped to catch the eye of the producers.
“I am ready for the South African market,” she told this publication.
Speaking in an interview with this publication, Michael Mosipidi of Semi House Productions shares that they were anticipating to hold other auditions this year to cater for those who missed out this time around.
He also explains that his company was in the process of opening up opportunities for local actors with a big shot actor in South Africa, who is touring the USA with one of their productions in a few months. He said that he would shed more light about this opportunity once everything has been finalised.
On Saturday, they had shortlisted around seventy actors who will go into their database, and stand a strong possibility of getting a role in either Uzalo or Muvhango. One hundred and twenty actors had auditioned, with more waiting to have a chance to showcase their skills.
“We might hold the auditions in April. Right now, I am still waiting to iron a few details,” he explained.
In other news, he shared that they are looking into bringing back the Acting Masterclasses which were put on hold due to the Covid- 19 pandemic. The Masterclasses, he said are another way for local actors to give them an opportunity to penetrate the industry in South Africa.
Meanwhile, he explains that since last week, they have made progress regarding a Botswana drama which will be a partnership between DSK Films, owned by Siyabonga and Word of Mouth.
“We are at an advanced stage of negotiations with relevant stakeholders, in terms of bringing to life this drama,” he said.