The church business
NEW ROLE: IT PAYS TO BE A PASTOR Popular actor Poo lands plum part on hit show and draws inspiration from his own experience.
When Aubrey Poo took on the role of a pastor on Isidingo, he knew he had to put his own beliefs aside to play the part well. Poo plays Pastor Gabriel, a modern-day preacher who loves the finer things in life.
He is sophisticated and does not shy away from overt materialism.
Perhaps similar to South Africa’s popular Prophet Paseka Motsoeneng, or Pastor “Mboro”, who wears designer suits, lives in a lavish house and travels with his bodyguards in a small fleet of luxury vehicles.
“I have a very strong relationship with God,” says the actor. tor. “But I have found the church ass an institution to be questionable.””
Poo hasn’t always been criticalcal of the church, in fact he admitsits to having attended almost everyry denomination under the sun – something he says has helpedd him prepare for this role.
“As an actor, I’m also an observerbmd of life. I’ve drawn from all the experiences I have had with pastors for this role. I don’tt have to believe in something inn order for me to portray it.”
Despite his criticism of the church, Poo says wealthy pastors are simply a reflection of the times.
“Pastors and the church do business openly. In fact, I’m pretty etthe sure there is a passage in the Bible which encourages pastorss to prosper.
“There is nothing strange aboutout seeing a pastor wearing expensivesive suits, living in large houses and driving luxury cars. Church is a business.”
After roles on soapies like Muvhango, Scandal! and The Wild, Poo took a break from the small screen to focus on theatre work.
“Theatre is my first love, so I am happiest when I’m on stage,” he says. “But I enjoy being able to move between theatre and television. sion.
“My character on Isidingo is going ing to rattle viewers. But I hope it also ge gets people talking about the import important things.
T Turning to the respect he ha has gained, Poo says: “I think it a all comes down to training. I am a trained actor and I have respectr for my craft. I have nevern understood being a celebrity. I’m just an actor who wants to do his best in every role I take on.”
His advice to young actors who want to follow in his footsteps: “Div “Diversity leads to longevity. Don’t b be a one-trick pony ... challenge lenge y yourself with different roles and workwo on your other talents.
“Mo “Most important, always focus on the work. Popularity and Twitter ter followersfol are great, you need to be a able to do the work.”