Working woman
Lalage’s need for more in her life than being “just a housewife” is going to rub her traditionalist hubby Hendrik the wrong way.
Lalage (Elma Postma) has been a homemaker her entire married life and she’s been okay with that. But as Elma tells us, “Lalage has realised that it’s time to get out there and challenge herself. There’s more to life than just taking care of her husband Hendrik (Gérard Rudolf), son Zandre and daughter Anja (Dèanré Reiners and Lee Visagie).” While Hendrik tells Lalage on Friday 13 April that he’s proud of her getting a PA job, it’s a different story in his head…
FLEETING FANCY
“He’s hoping that this is just a phase,” explains Elma. “Hendrik’s reaction is mentally abusive – I don’t think that she feels in physical danger though.” There’s been tension in the Lategan house since Lalage told Hendrik about her job plans on Monday 9 April and she’s aware that it’s a bitter pill for him to swallow. “She knows that he isn’t happy. Her always being home is comfortable and convenient.” That’s at the back of her mind because “Lalage is focussed. She’s in a rut and needs to follow her dreams before it’s too late”, says Elma defiantly. “She isn’t looking for anything specific – just something more corporate than the seamstress work she did growing up in The Deep.”
HOME ALONE
Hendrik’s “acceptance” wears thin on Monday 16 April and he’s fuming at an empty house and dinner plate because Lalage is still at work. “That’s tough,” smirks Elma. “Everyone will just have to adapt.” Lalage blasts him on Wednesday 18 April and Hendrik is sheepishly supportive on Monday 23 April. “She needs this if she’s going to grow. Hendrik will have to change his views,” says Elma. But you know what they say: you can take a horse to the well but you can’t make him drink…
I’M THE BOSS
While Elma wears Lalage’s shoes, she admits that it’s not always easy being in her submissive character’s skin. “She knows that there is more to life. I’m a hard-working woman and it would be difficult to just stop. It gives you independence, strength and it definitely helps not to be financially dependent on someone.”