How do you cope as an actress and a student?
It’s a part-time programme, so once I am not in school, I can then do my job. And at some certain time I do my reading and get myself prepared for exams.
Between schooling and acting, which comes first?
Acting comes first, I have been in the business before getting admission into the university. After a year, I dropped out because of my acting and also not having enough time for both. I got admission the second time and I dropped out again. But this time I have decided to complete it. By this time next year, I should be through.
Was acting your first dream?
I actually wanted to be a doctor but I later realised I don’t like seeing people wounded because the sight of blood gets me scared. So, I tried making myself strong by joining the Nigerian Red Cross Society but even at that, I still couldn’t cope with seeing blood. So, that was the reason I opted for Business Administration. I don’t know, but seeing people hurt makes me want to cry.
When did you venture into acting and why?
It’s been a very long time but should be about four or five years ago. It just came, I used to watch Genny movies a lot and so when I realised I couldn’t cope with medicine, I decided to go into acting. I applied for diploma in theatre arts. I think acting is in-born but there are some who don’t have the talent but go ahead to learn it and still come out good at it. I had a friend who connected me with Chucks Emeka Rowland and from there I got into the game and that was it
How was your first auditioning?
It was full of surprise because immediately I registered with actors guild, my friend took me to the theatre. There, I saw people sitting under the fruit trees and I asked him what all those people where doing there because they were many. He told me not to worry that I would find out why when I am done with the registration. Later on, I realised that those people were there for auditioning, whenever there is a notice for auditions, people gather that way. I was auditioned and I got a role.
What challenges did you encounter when you started?
It was really challenging just like every business comes with its own challenges. I could remember a time I got a job for a very good role after going for the auditions from the outset. I was inside the location bus when the EP talked to the PM and the Production Manager came to tell me that the Executive Producer said that I didn’t look like Eucharia Anunobi and that they have someone who looks very much like her, and that was the person he wanted. I accepted, dropped the script, came down and went back home.
How did you feel?
I felt bad, because I really gave my best right from the audition and got the role.
Maybe the other actress has features more than you do as Anunobi?
Excuse me. The person that it was given to, how is she? She does not look an inch of Eucharia Anunobi. Please, don’t even go there because I don’t want to talk about that issue.
Are you sure it’s not because of sex for role?
Honestly, I don’t know about that and I don’t dig into people’s lives, but for my side, there was no approach because I went for the job. The Executive Producer wasn’t there when they were doing the auditions.
Were your parents in support of your chosen career?
It was really challenging to the point of taking the issue down to the village. But at the end of the day, my uncle was able to convince my dad that there was nothing in it and that he should allow me do what I wanted if I found happiness in it. I thank God that today my family is in support of it as they love my acting career. They didn’t even know first when I started it, but at a point I couldn’t hide it anymore because sometimes I go out for auditions and come back late and they would be asking questions. So, I just had to make it open.
What were the reasons they want to stop you?
It’s just because of the stories behind entertainment industry; like actresses not getting married or not having a marriage that lasts. They assume they are not humble and they live a care-free life and all that.
Is that why you decided to maintain a low profile?
No, that’s just me because I believe that in life if you know where you are coming from, you should know exactly where you are going.
What was your experience the first time you went on set?
I was frightened but I really tried as a first timer. I got my first role when I was in the theatre group. One late Mr Leo came to the school and I was the first artist that was picked. That was the first job I did. I did it with Grace Amah after which Mr Leo promised to pick me up again, but unfortunately he died.
How were you able to overcome stage fright?
I wasn’t really shaky, but where the nervousness came in was the fact that you were conscious of people watching you, and then trying not to look at them and being yourself.
What’s your assessment about Nollywood?
What I can say about Nollywood is that the way they were 20 years back is not the way they are now. I pray and hope that things get better in Nollywood and to have capable hands coming in to place things where they ought to be in order to have a better Nollywood. I also want to encourage the government to help in the area of entertainment because it’s what we enjoy most.
Which actors or actresses influenced your career?
I can’t really say I was looking up to a particular person, I just watch movies but I love movies acted by Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, Joke Silver, Rita Dominic and some others like that.
What’s your notion about sexual harassment in the movie industry?
There is no place where you wouldn’t find sexual harassment, you could as well find it in the banking industry. The reason it’s so pronounced in the entertainment industry is simply that it’s for entertainment and people’s eyes are on it. So, in as much as you are a woman, men would approach you and then if you feel you want to date him and have some fun, you go ahead; it’s your life. There is no discrimination about that, but don’t make it look like you are being harassed or forced to do what you do not want to do. You have a mind of your own and you are mature enough to take decisions.
Have you experienced producers asking sex for role with you?
No, I don’t think anybody would want to do such a thing to me. When you approach me and you are good, I might decide to take a decision and have my fun.
Are you into a relationship?
Don’t worry about my love life, I won’t like to discuss it, but when the right time comes, you would know. I’m single but not searching.
Does the lucky man in your life complain about your career?
Not at all, he loves my job.
If your husband tells you to quit acting, would you agree?
I don’t think such situation would occur, so I don’t even want to think about it. When we get to that bridge we would cross it, definitely. I think that a situation has ended a relationship for me before now but I just concluded that it wasn’t meant for me.
What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever done to you?
I have two experiences but I think the greatest is having someone who you don’t know walks up to you, gives you a peck and says, “I am your fan”.
You look innocent, what would it cost for you to go nude?
Please, do not judge me by my looks, I could be crazy at times. I can act any part in a movie as far as it’s not a nude movie for my role determines what I do. As far as it’s not Nollywood, but I can go nude in Hollywood because I believe before Hollywood would request for such, they should have their reason for doing so. For Hollywood, I can go nude because the nakedness would go with the story and there must be something that prompted it, but here in Nigeria at a point we lost it and portray nudity without having stories going with it.
Have you rejected any script given to you that entails nudity?
They can’t give me such and they know, not because I am a churchous person. But I believe that the way you want to be addressed is the way you appear. All I know is that I love my job, the people who make the movies and those who call us to act in the movie are all wonderful people and there is no discrimination. There are certain things I would not want to say here but as an artist, there is no role I would be given and I would not interpret it well.
What is holding the right man from taking you to the altar?
Seriously, marriage is very easy to go into but staying in marriage is the most difficult thing to do. So, I do not want to make such a mistake. That is why I’m taking my time.
So, how many suitors have you rejected?
I can’t answer that because it’s not something I would start saying here or counting for you, but the fact still remains that when the right time comes, I will settle down with him.
How do you handle stubborn men that approach you?
I am a very polite person, sometimes when you don’t talk to people, they see it as an insult. So, I try as much as possible to be who I am.
You look so innocent, do you go clubbing?
I do, I clubbed in Texas when I travelled, and the experience was cool.
What determines your fashion sense?
My mood as well as where I am going to, but speaking of designers, I wear anything that fits me.
What is your favourite colour?
You can always catch me wearing blue, green.
 |
I can act nude in Hollywood –TESSY ORAGWA |
No comments:
Post a Comment