adminFor the reasons that film makers would not dare reveal, this has produced some of the most gifted directors of our time.
Actor-cum-director Ben Affleck was at his best with the CIA spy story Argo and so were Steven Segal and Denzel Washington in their numerous big screen hits.
Recent screen works have shown that it does not take a Hollywood stint for an actor to become a director. Africa’s Nollywood does also. Now, Zimbabwe’s best actors have followed suit.
One such local actor is Patrick Mabhena, one of the directors of the television drama, Tshuz Mazikhethela. He takes on a leading role as Amkela in the same series.
Mabhena is a regular on our screens. He featured in Bulawayo’s best TV productions such as Thubalami, Izolo Yizolo and Yeyeni Bantu.
Mabhena and the rest of the cast of Tshuz Mazikhethela are on the verge of earning a place in history as the series was nominated in the Nama Outstanding screen production (television) category.
Nama judges could have been impressed, if not left at the edge of awe, by the talent awash in this series. Tshuz Mazikhethela might walk away with yet another award, that of the best actress as one of theirs, Sarah Mpofu, is in line for the award.
In this interview Patrick Mabhena (PM) digs in on his life outside the little box and his long acting experience. Saturday Leisure (SL) gets to know more about how theatre and television have impacted on his life.
SL: Television or theatre?
PM: It is hard to choose but I would go for TV. It has an immediate impact and I have since discovered that I am more of a TV man than stage.
SL: So, with so many careers to choose from, why did you settle for acting?
PM: It was a matter of being at the right place at the right time. I call that moment a revelation because the first time I took up acting, everything fell into place. I chose to role play for TV because acting is a part of me.
SL: What is the motive on Tshuz Mazikhethela?
PM: Like any serious television drama, Tshuz Mazikhethela has a story to tell. The title says it all — you choose what you want out of life. The drama brings nothing new but just highlights what humans have to endure when faced with an option. My motive was to relate that. We all have to choose at some point in time.
The storyline touches on money matters and relationships. It goes further to highlight how money makes the world go round.
SL: The drama made it big on television. Has it attracted the same attention on other networks?
PM: It was a low budget project, but we are happy with the support Zimbabwean viewers gave us. This is what I call local is lekker because support for the arts has to start from home. With other TV networks I think it is up to us and our producers to market it further.
SL: Was acting your childhood ambition?
PM: Certainly. I grew up with an interest in writing poetry and reciting poetry. I then took part in a theatre project known as Iluba Elimnyama, and my acting genius was revealed.
SL: You learnt your craft from a master, did you not?
PM: Oh! I would not like to say a master but a teacher, a great lady called Evi Globerman. She taught me everything I know about acting. She made me love what I do and that is why I perform better.
SL: For every craft there is a school. Take us through your schooling history.
PM: I passed through many schools where I learnt the art of acting perfectly. I started at primary school level. I remember well that I did entertaining dramas at Molonga, Nsuza and Magwegwe schools.
I ended up at Vuka College and it was a journey worth the while.
SL: You are a celebrity, how does your family handle the fame and attention from your fans?
PM: Well, I think that is a compliment to say I’m a celebrity, I have not noticed. What I love about my family is that they are so supportive. I am married and blessed with four children. They all accept that it is this acting that brings food to the table.
SL: What does it take for the aspiring actor to appear on TV?
PM: Just do what comes naturally to you. If acting is your calling, start now, don’t wait. I have realised that young people tend to follow what their peers are doing, but that does not work. It is high time that we teach young actors to persevere. You won’t get what you want seated. It is all about hard work.
Online Reporter