Princess in waiting
Tsholo Matshaba is flexing her muscles as a royal who could have blood on her hands in The Throne.
The Throne Mon-Thu Mzansi (*161) 19:00
Mzansi Magic’s new telenovela The Throne is throwing the cat among the royal pigeons as the Kwenas see their peaceful rule under threat from one of their own. Scorned prince Moseki (Don Mhlangeni) wants “his” throne, but while his sister Queen Mosadi (Monnye Kunupi) isn’t abdicating anytime soon, there is someone else waiting to snatch the crown: younger sister Odirile (Tsholo Matshaba, who reprised her role as Meme recently on Muvhango, 1997current). While Moseki thinks that he is getting his crown, Tsholo warns that her character won’t be pushed aside.
Why is Odirile described as discontent? She’s taken a backseat to her siblings throughout her life. She’s carried herself as expected by her culture, behaving elegantly, preserving her dignity and that of her family, and preserving her virginity so that when she’s chosen, Odirile is crowned a “pure” queen. Has she been loyal to her sister or has she been conspiring behind the queen’s back? Odirile loves her family. As much as she is disinterested in the day-to- day running of royal affairs, taking over the throne is but a thought at the moment. Who does she see as her direct competition – her nieces and nephew or her brother? It is a matriarchal monarchy in their kingdom, so the princes are automatically ruled out. However the nieces… Does she have an official title and duties? Odirile is all about Odirile. Her motto is “You do you, I’ll do me”. “Her” kingdom is under attack though from her brother – how does your character react to that? She is the “Leopard Princess” and is forced to take action. And did you audition for your role or was it created with you in mind? I was screened for the role of Odirile and was successful. I’ve worked with production company Ferguson Films before [it’s owned and run by Connie and Shona Ferguson – Harriet and Jerry in their other show The Queen, see p30] and they take note of actors’ work, talent and discipline. I have an appreciation for their work.