Last chance salon: Cindy Swanepoel
Her character is named Charmaine and she spends much of the play — set in an inner-city hairdressing salon, against the backdrop of political change — on the brink of collapse, in a state of drug withdrawal.
The lead character is chatty salon manager Rolene (Quanita Adams), a coloured woman eking out a living in a suburb facing rising crime and dereliction.
Rolene is a fair-skinned woman of colour skirting the apartheid fringe, forever making character adjustments to appeal to her aging white clientele.
In this case, the conservative element is personified by Mrs Du Bois, played in drag by an uppity but dowdy Robert Colman.
Besides many mainstream stage productions (Kringe in ’n Bos, Houtkruis, The Crucible and Dalliances), Swanepoel has appeared in the soap operas Egoli, 7de Laan and Villa Rosa. Drama series include The Mating Game, 90 Plein Street and Getroud met Rugby.
In 2011, Swanepoel started Poko Productions with two partners, specialising in shadow theatre. They have been commissioned by the South African Mint Company to create The Greatest African Love Story, which tells the story of Walter and Albertina Sisulu.
Tell us a little about your present projects, or the state of your career and how you prepared for the demanding role of the junkie in Curl Up and Dye.
I have finished shooting a programme called Proesstraat, which will air from April 14 on Kyknet. Every programme is based on improvisation and performed in front of a live audience.
My production company, Poko Productions, is working on a new show for children, which will focus on traditional African stories.
In preparing for the role of Charmaine, the most important thing I told myself was never to judge my character.
She is who she is because of her circumstances and therefore I need to play her as truthfully and honestly as I possibly can.
What is right with South African theatre?
The potential for growth is endless. It is about seeing the gap and taking it. Starting a production company that specialises in a unique art form has changed my whole outlook on theatre (as well as my attitude).
Educating our youth is where we should start but, most importantly, it should be done with integrity, passion and love.
What is wrong with South African theatre?
Its lack of audience. This is because of a lack of publicity and marketing. But it becomes a vicious circle. Without money, there can be no marketing. There is also a lot of bad theatre around.
What are you reading, or what was the last great/bad book you read and what was your response?
I have just finished reading Life of Pi and it is definitely one of my top five books.
Where do you like hanging out?
At my home. Having friends over at my place makes me happy. It is important for me to be comfortable at home and to be able to share it.
What music are you playing in your car?
Alt-J, The Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, Arcade Fire.
When you want to escape Jo’burg, which city or town do you like to visit?
I love Cape Town. My family lives there, so I visit quite often. My favourite place is Grotto Bay on the West Coast. My dad lives there. It is the perfect getaway.
Which part of Jo’burg do you like?
Arts on Main, Parkhurst, Melville Koppies. Anywhere in Jozi where I am able to see the sunset.
What is your favourite food?
A good old-fashioned braai. My dad makes the best tjoppies in the world, so I measure every man on his braai technique.
What is the last film that you watched that blew you away?
Life of Pi! It is one of the best film adaptations of a book.
Wine or beer?
Red wine.
Now to cheesy questions: cheese or chocolate?
Cheese.
Do you watch TV and what is your favourite show?
Saturday Night Live and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Curl Up and Dye runs at the Theatre on the Square, Sandton Square, until April 20