A ‘Black Prophet Down’
we as South Africans can identify with. Couple that with the fact that Obama has an African lineage and is the first nonwhite President to occupy the Oval office, and automatically you have a vested interest.
You have starred in movies such as Four Corners and Zulu. How do you handle the difference between an intimate live space like the Alexander, and being on a film set – it’s quite different?
The intimate setting that the Alexander Theatre offers comes with an energy that is palpable, responsive and immediate. Film offers quite a different experience in that it presents technical challenges, and obviously the locations add to the value of performance.
How did you get into acting, in the first place?
I was lucky enough to have an (acting) agent in attendance during a staff show I performed in whilst working for a casino in 2001. She invited me onto her books, and I gradually made my way from acting part-time to resigning my full-time job in late 2005. I’ve been freelancing ever since.
Who or what inspires you? Any story where the human spirit prevails. Be it a group of volunteers that fly half-way around the world to assist victims after a tsunami, or Wayde van Niekerk smashing the 400m world record.
And what have you got lined up, going forward?
I am currently shooting a 13-part television series to wrap up the year, and looking forward to a few days in the sun. Then it’s onto 2017 and everything it brings.
What was the last live show you saw, and how did you find it?
One of the last productions I saw was Santa Gamka. It was a moving piece of work that was produced for the stage and performed by Marlo Minnaar. Blew me away.
What do you like to do to relax?
I find that reading in my back garden is the most relaxing thing to do, and a sure way to switch off if needs be.
Can you tell us something about yourself that most people would not know or suspect?
I am an aspiring amateur photographer... very amateur!
Black Prophet Down is at the Alexander Theatre from October 24 to November 5. Book 021 300 1652