Kasvia carries on family tradition
Young lead in ‘Blood Brothers’ another Von Memerty with star quality
GROWING up in a family well-known for acting, slick dance moves and respected comedic work has had a positive impact on the life of a young Port Elizabeth actress who is making waves in local theatre.
The daughter of television and theatre personality Ian von Memerty, Kasvia, 16, has a slew of theatre productions behind her and is currently captivating audiences as the lead actress in Willy Russell’s critically acclaimed musical, Blood Brothers.
With a mother who has risen in the international ranks of Latin dancing and an older brother who is a wellrespected comedian, Kasvia had her first taste of singing for an audience at the age of seven.
“I started dancing at four and singing at seven, but I was very shy and had to be bribed to be in the back row,” the Grade 11 Theodor Herzl High School pupil said yesterday.
At seven, she sang her first solo at Herbert Hurd Primary School’s grandparents day and the rest, as they say, is history.
“My parents, brother [Oscar] and I used to do rehearsals in the lounge and [we] created a family show which then went on to tour the country,” she said, adding that her first acting role had been in 2010.
“I love it. I love the people and the processes involved. I’m not devoted to going into theatre [when I leave school] but it is a definite maybe.”
Deciding to attend Theodor Herzl because of the strong drama presence at the school, Kasvia said she regarded the school’s drama teacher and Blood Brothers director Robin Williams as a role model and inspiration. Armed with a number of local theatre awards, including four best junior in adult theatre Showtime awards, Kasvia said she found a lot of joy in performing on stage.
“If you’ve got the passion then go for it. It is the most amazing feeling,” she said.
With a very busy schedule which includes normal school hours, extramural activities including singing and dancing lessons and then warm-ups for the evening showing of Blood Brothers, Kasvia has little time to herself, but praised her parents for keeping her grounded.
Her role as lead character Mrs Johnstone has seen her hone her acting, leaving audience members in tears of both laughter and sadness.
“It takes a lot of energy [but] it’s worth it. I don’t want it to end, you never stop learning [and it’s] not about being the star.
“You put personal experiences into the characters and my performance in this show [and others] is based on that character,” she said.
Williams, who directed Kasvia and 24 other cast members in Blood Brothers, said she felt very blessed to have the cast, especially Kasvia.