As with Twist Projects’ two former publications, this
is a hugely valuable teaching guide for those in – or thinking about getting involved
in – the performing arts or film world. (Review by Caroline Smart
Acting in South
Africa: Skills and Interpretations,
written by Roel Twijnstra and Emma Durden of the Twist Theatre Development
Projects based in Durban, is the third book in a series that provides
guidelines for prime development as an actor/actress in South Africa.
In his foreword, Han Peters, Ambassador of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands to South Africa, comments: “In an ever-growing and
transforming world our society is at risk of losing its ability to connect and
genuinely interact at a personal level. How can we ensure the inclusion of
humaneness in the development of our society? How do we look at the world today
and communicate about it? An obvious answer is that we can do this through the
arts. The arts are the “canary in the coalmine”, providing early indicators of
social challenges in society.”
The authors state: “This book can’t teach you to be a
great actor or guarantee you a place in the industry. But you can pick it up
and be inspired by the stories of others who have made it. You can read through
the interviews with directors and agents and understand what different people
are looking for, and what makes the difference between being hired or not.”
“If you aren’t a nice person to work with, you aren’t
likely to find work!” they add.
Ten top theatre/film personalities, several of them Durban-based,
were asked for their comments on how to survive in the acting profession. These
include Andrew Buckland; David Dennis; Dawn Thandeka King; Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa
Makhetha; Ntando Menzi Mncube; Jailoshini Naidoo; Pretty Ncayiyana; Bongeka
Phindile Felicia Ndlovu, and Grant Swanby.
Interviewed about what they look for when casting for
or working with actors are further top personalities Sarah Blecher; Jill Bell; David
Gouldie; Duma Ndlovu, Mbongeni Ngema, Yula Quinn, and Fiona Ramsay.
Advice from these 17 successful personalities includes
giving strong focus to keeping the body and the voice (especially through
proper breathing) in good condition; professionalism; proper attention to the text;
respect for others, unselfishness and being open to direction. Added guidance
is self-confidence without egotism and an awareness of life itself. Warnings include
not being drawn in by glitz and glamour and a desire to become stars.
Always welcome criticism without anger and don’t panic
if you don’t succeed at an audition. My late husband, who was an artistes’ agent
used to say: “Look on it as free advertising!” In other words, you have given
those directors an idea of your talent and perhaps some time in the future,
they will remember you as being suitable for another part.
The book also highlights the difference in performance
required for acting for stage – where you have to “perform” - as opposed to acting
for film or television where you need to be “real”. Other advice is to get as
much experience wherever you can.
Acting in South
Africa: Skills and Interpretations is a hugely valuable teaching guide and follows
volumes in directing and production – herewith a quote from my reviews:
Theatre Directing in
South Africa: Skills and Inspirations – “An invaluable
asset to upcoming as well as established directors.” (2014)
Theatre Production in
South Africa: Skills and Inspirations - “Excellent
publication is an absolute must for anyone venturing into the challenging world
of theatre production.” (2016)
All three books are available on Amazon as e-books.
Acting in South Africa:
Skills and inspirations will be launched at the Bat Centre Mission
Control on August 17 at 17h00.
The publication of this book was made possible through
sponsorship from the National Lotteries Commission via Twist Theatre
Development Projects; and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in
South Africa. – Caroline Smart
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