THULA’S VINE
Season 1 SABC3 (*193) 19:30 Episode 4
Patricia selfishly docks the farm workers’ pay as she’s upset about the land claim.
Triple-threat Emmanuel Castis’s year is off to a busy start – he has three roles filling his plate. The 41-year-old plays womaniser Jaco on drama Thula’s Vine (2017-current), as well as ex-soccer star Chris on new e.tv series Broken Vows (2017-current, see p21). He’s also reprising his role as spoilt rich kid Chris on drama series Erfsondes (2007-current) later this year. “It’s hectic! Getting into character takes time and I like to put in effort preparing for my roles. I wouldn’t change it for anything,” he says.
What makes Jaco a change from your usual characters? He’s something else… [Laughs]. Jaco is an overambitious chef who dreams of being well-known in his community. He thinks that he deserves everything he wants just because he helped his wife Patricia (Sivan Raphaely) run a successful restaurant at their farm. A farm setting isn’t your usual fare either… [Laughs] I love finding my way through my character’s head. Working here [the Western Cape winefarm where the 13-episode show was shot] was exciting and fresh compared to what I’ve done in the past – soaps. I’ve learnt new skills and every crew is different, so you get to work with different talents and that can only enhance your own career. Where do you find the time for your three shows? I have a supportive family and girlfriend Sharlene – they understand that my job is crazy. I don’t mind the pressure that comes with acting, but I try keep a balance in my life with the people I love and doing what I love. Does that leave time for anything else? It does, actually. I’m either at rehearsals with my band Dallians – we perform covers – or I’m out of town, fly fishing and relaxing in a far-away bush – that’s my thing [Laughs].