WINDHOEK- His performance in Zindri Swartz’s Prime Colours was definitely not reflective of a newcomer to acting. His transition from straight homophobic to falling in love with a gay guy was an exceptional act.
Grant Edem who is known as an exquisite dancer, who has made a name through his ability to capture the attention in full of everyone around him through his body movements, had an outstanding debut performance as actor …yet he is not on the list at least for ‘Best Newcomer’ for Theatre and Film Awards. Then there is super amazing script writer and director, Jacques Mushaandja whose works on the National Theatre of Namibia ( NTN) stage has built for him a solid name in local theatre, as an outstanding writer and director. His play My Koek Is Moeg is no exception to his list of unforgettable productions, something the Namibian audience can attest to. That many still talk about. A play that is still sought after, and remains to be booked for stage till this very day. Sadly though, Jacques is not on that list as well. Not for Script, neither for directing. Nothing at all.
Talking about My Koek Is Moeg. She moved her audience. She made an impact in so many ways through her deliverance as ‘Poppie’. She had the world talk about this play and her performance. And it came as a shock to many that Brumelda English did not make that list either. Reviews by local, and well-respected entertainment, specifically theatre critics, were exceptional. This outstanding actress walked away with the Best Newcomer Award at the last Theatre Awards. She simply took that script of Jacques Mushaandja and made a hit with her one-person performance. A performance that portrayed professionalism at best. I immediately page to the ‘Best Female Actor’ section of the nomination list, and unfortunately …her name is not there.
Even her performance in Prime Colours deserves at least a nomination if you ask me. Having said the above, and please correct me if I am wrong, but I would like to believe that someone nominated for either ‘Best Newcomer’ in Acting or the ‘Best Actor’ category would be that person that without a doubt proved him/herself as a force to be reckoned with in acting. It would be that person that took a character completely strange and unknown to his/her being and deliver it in a way that makes the actor himself unrecognisable. I don’t know if I am missing something. Perhaps the criteria covered when judgement takes place, but there are certainly some of the nominations that confuse me a bit on exactly what GREAT acting is about.
When I learned that Rodelio Lewis is actually gay, I was bit disappointed, because he put up an amazing performance in his gay role in Prime Colours. I thought to myself; Wow, great actor. He definitely deserves an award.
This however, changed my thoughts in believing that the only challenge he really had, was to know his lines. The character was nothing new to me. Now I ask myself …nominated for ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best Male Actor’. How come?
Sandy Rudd is Namibia’s darling and has been a force in the theatre fraternity for years, and no one can fault her on filling the stage realms year after year with productions. But looking back at what she has brought to stage is seemingly watered down by the fact that very little of her recent works are original. The adaptation of world renowned Mamma Mia, one would have thought that Meme Mia would be a Namibian musical taking pointers from Mamma Mia and not having Namibians do a musical that has already received much acclaim was necessary, where is the originality in that? This year’s awards already seem like the Sandy Rudd show, well kudos to showing appraisal but ONLY give credit WHEN it’s due and not because its just that… due. Please note that this is my opinion, I love theatre. I am a big supporter of Local Entertainment, because I believe in its ability. However it is the little things such as these that determine the picture of the future of our industry.
I wish that we would stop boosting egos of those who still need to prove themselves, and rather honour those who made an impact. Let’s give the amateur something to strive for, rather than believing they are already there. It is dangerous. I am also bit sad that there is no category that could cater for a production such as that of the First Rain Dance Theatre’s ANIMA . For me, this was the staging of the year. A production that deserves awards for Africa!
Francios Olivier is Broadcast Journalist and a theatre lover who is by many remembered as the Entertainment Writer and critic, with a heart for Art. Francios’ passion and drive for performing has seen him not only embrace NTN stage in several local productions, but also abroad. His opinion has proven to be one well respected, in the local Entertainment Sector at large. faolivier20@gmail.com