Man Oh Man –Presley Chweneyagae

Award-winning actor PRESLEY CHWENEYAGAE is best-known for his astounding performance in the 2006 film, Tsotsi. His “Oxford English” as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena on 1Magic’s The River makes him our favourite rebel

I was introduced to acting at school. One of the subjects we did was religion. During that class, I’d do skits and play characters from the Bible. I realised that people enjoyed watching me and that I thoroughly enjoyed being on stage. I have not stopped since. I started attending drama classes at the North West Arts Council, now known as The Mmabana Arts Culture and Sports Foundation. I started attending classes there from 1996, and landed my first job in 1998. That place has produced a lot of actors and musicians from Mahikeng, which is where I hail from. People from Mahikeng make our hometown really special. No matter what was going on around me, be it crime or any other social ill, the community made me feel safe. I could play soccer at a friend’s home and the family would look after me, and attend to me as one of their own. I still keep in touch with my people from back home. My friends and my parents are still there, so I make an effort to visit often. When the cameras stop rolling, I become a friend and a colleague.

I’d like to think of myself as very easygoing, approachable and friendly — I am that bubbly guy on set. Cracking jokes and being the life of any gathering is second nature to me.

Life after Tsotsi was interesting.

It’s every actor’s dream to attend the Oscars. Travelling to Hollywood and winning an Oscar changed my life. I never imagined myself starring in a movie that earned as many prestigious awards as Tsotsi did, and travelling the world. I received a lot of calls from international producers and directors who expressed their interest in my craft. Also, when I write and perform stage plays abroad, the association with Tsotsi draws crowds in and sparks further interest in whether I have more to offer. I wish I’d learned more about finances when I was younger. I would have really appreciated some lessons on saving, and getting my financial ducks in a row because playing catch up is not fun. Welcome changes have occurred in my life since last year. I was lucky enough to be blessed with my last-born in September 2018. I also committed to

my first ever long-term work contract on The River. I’ve since had to master the art of balancing quality time with my family and the set’s demanding schedule. I’m looking forward to having my own production company in the next

ten years. I want to grow artistically, and see myself producing my own films and television series. I’m working on growing to a point where I’m able to assist up-and-coming creatives with ease. I also plan on using the arts to uplift and aid poor, disadvantaged communities, specifically in rural areas. Even though the Presley Chweneyagae Foundation helps me do so, I want to execute it on an even greater scale. I want to create my own wealth so that it’s easier to share it and motivate others in the process. Ideas keep me up at night. Once I start thinking of the possibility of creating something great or improving a character, I struggle to fall back to sleep afterwards. My mind is always scouring for business opportunities that will ensure that I’m set for life. As an actor, it’s always important to reinvent yourself. Every character I work on teaches me something new about myself. It helps me grow and tap into my maturity. I develop a deeper meaning about things and people around me. I’m constantly having Aha!

moments and taking risks. With that said, I also have to disconnect from any characters that I’ve taken on previously, in order to make room for a new role. This helps me better explore my versatility. If I never had to sleep, I’d create work with my extra time. I would write a lot more than I am now, and invest more hours on developing new shows. I’d also dedicate more time to offering a helping hand to those that didn’t have the same opportunities as I did when they started in the arts. I get scared when fans don’t disassociate me from the characters

I play. I once bumped into a guy who waxed lyrical about how hijacking cars isn’t an honest way of making a living. He was obviously referring to my character on Tsotsi, and begged me to stop doing it! That took me aback because he was clearly confusing the world of make -believe with reality. My children inspire me to be better.

Every little thing that I do, I do for them. I try and improve myself holistically, every day, so I can be the best father to them. Being a present parent is the best gift I can ever give them. I feel truly alive when I’m on stage or in front of the camera. I’ve come to accept that it’s something that I’m deeply passionate about, that nurtures my talent and is very sacred to me.■