WINDHOEK-Local actor, Abraham Pieters, has been selected to take part in the International Talent Scout (ITS) held at the Arts Convention in Orlando, Florida in the United States of America (USA) next April.
It is an Arts Convention where Kim Meyers from United State of America (USA) come to scout for talents in Africa and Abraham was fortunate to audition in the categories of Acting and Singing and went through. Optimistic, bold, confident, passionate and intelligent, are some of the words you can use to describe the 20-year-old actor and art enthusiast. He seriously came onto the limelight when he acted as an extra in three South African soapies, 7de laan, Binnelanders and Zabalaza. A second year student at the College of the Arts (COTA) and a freelance actor based in Johannesburg, South Africa, he made his debut in the acting world after apppearing in the Namibian theatre play, Lammie Beukes, last year. “Basically I have always had a passion for acting since Grade 6 and after my first appearance in the public-eye in the play Lammie Beukes, my confidence as an actor was stronger than ever, and having to share the stage with one of Namibia’s best actress, Hazel Hinda, and Senga Brockerhoff, as my director, was a cereal moment for me and a honour,” says Abraham.
After his role in Lammie Beukes he went to Johannesburg for two weeks to gain more experience and got an opportunity to act in South African soapies. “I gain more than just experience and techniques to help me mould myself as an actor. This gave me fellowship and a safe place to be able to explore my craft as an actor. As a person, I gained more respect for my own individuality and I am now more confident when it comes to performing,” says Abraham.He adds that seeing himself in the international limelight is a wonderful platform for any aspiring actor because one can grow as an actor, improve skills and most importantly, receive a huge confident boost.
“When I came back to Namibia the same year, I received a call from my agent informing that I have been selected to take part in the International Talent Scout (ITS),” says Abraham. He will now be performing in front of the biggest live TV shows of Nickolodeon Entertainment, Disney Entertainment and the Tyler Perry Studios. “I don’t see this as a competition but as a platform to launch my international career,” says Abraham.
Abraham says the challenges when it comes to acting weather it’s theatre, television and film, is being consistent in how you speak, your posture, how you carry yourself throughout, and knowing your lines. “First you need to understand what you are reading then everything will flow,” says Abraham.
He sees himself as a successful actor in five years because he always imagines things coming to him. “If you can see it you will achieve it. Owning my own production company giving a platform for all aspiring actors to showcase their craft and putting Namibia on the map wherever I go,” visualises Abraham.
Abraham was born and bred in Khomasdal in Windhoek. He lost his mother at the age of 14 but that never stopped his dreams. He matriculated at Jan Möhr Secondary School in 2013 and went to study television at COTA, majoring in script writing and direcing. He is also studying Drama and Fashion Designing part time in Johannesburg. Abraham is perfectionist by nature.