Angella Johnson VIEW FROM A BROAD
`I’m ready for my close-up, Mr DeMille.” These immortal words delivered by Gloria Swanson in the film classic, Sunset Boulevard, came flashing to my mind as I stood before a solitary camera in a poky but brightly lit back room of a Johannesburg theatre.
The lights created a sweltering sauna- like atmosphere. This was it: my big acting break. Yours truly stood poised to audition for a part in the planned epic film version of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography The Long Walk to Freedom.
Actually, I rather fancied playing a younger Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and had been practicing my “Out, damned spot!” routine all weekend, with much wringing of hands before a bathroom mirror.
Producer Anant Singh has launched a nationwide search for local talent to star as Madiba and other supporting players in this historic tale of South Africa’s liberation struggle. Auditions have already been conducted over the past few months with more than 1 000 candidates (I was number 948) screen tested.
So off I trekked on Monday to the Windybrow theatre in deepest Hillbrow and stood in line with a host of other budding thespians, some from as far away as Pietersburg, eagerly hoping to be picked for the cast.
It was not quite the throng I had anticipated – the organiser tried to stagger people in time slots from 12 noon to 7pm to make the line manageable – but it was still a long wait to be auditioned.
Not that this was a proper audition. It was what is called an open casting – that means any Tom, Dick or Thuli could rock up and be catapulted into stardom. “Oh, it would be so exciting to find a major discovery for one of the main roles,” enthused casting director Christa Schamberger.
Yes, I could see the newspaper headlines: former journalist cast as the new Bond girl following sensational debut in Mandela movie.
Clearly I was not the only amateur with a dream as more than 153 people (they were looking for black folks, but apparently a few whites tried to crash the gig) pitched.
Waiting anxiously in line, Masego Pelle may not have had any experience on stage or screen (and she was trembling with nerves), but the unemployed 18-year-old felt convinced she had what it takes.
“I’m an actor, although I’ve never acted before,” she pronounced grandly. “I think it’s something that we all have in us and maybe through this film I can get a chance to make a name for myself.”
But Pelle also insisted that to be involved in The Long Walk to Freedom would mark a wider personal significance.
“I was interested when I heard about this because it was something that happened in my country and I want to be a part of it. So really I don’t care if it is just being an extra in the crowd.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by another novice, insurance salesman George Shauke (36). “I read about this thing happening in the Sowetan last Friday and it seemed like a good way to say thank you to my president, for what he’s done for my country and the continent of Africa.”
How convenient it was then that Shauke has always had a burning desire to be on the stage.
Others like professional actor Brian Mfana (46) just want to work. Currently whiling away his time as a taxi driver (out of work actors are always “resting”) he already has his heart set on a particular character.
The distinguished-looking grey-haired Fort Hare University trained pedagogue and former Rand Daily Mail journalist is gunning for the part of Chief Wegqili, who was an important character in the Transkei village where Mandela grew up.
“I already did one audition in February and they phoned my agent in Soweto asking for me to come back today. It might be for this part or another one, I don’t really care. It has been a while since I had any kind of acting work at all, so I’m just grateful for the chance.”
Standing in front of me, budding actress Regina Kole (68) clutched her handbag tightly and closed her eyes in silent prayer as the queue shuffled slowly forward. She has set her heart on playing Mandela’s mother.
A granny herself, Kole has only been acting for the past four years, mostly in community theatre, but recently landed a minor role in a Fanta commercial.
“I want to be in this movie more than anything else,” she said in a tiny voice. “I just love Madiba.”
Unfortunately, as the actors will have to portray characters from twentysomething to their twilight years – even Mandela’s mother will have to be aged with make-up – it is unlikely Kole will land the part. But I hope she gets to play someone’s granny.
After some 35 minutes chatting with this motley crew it was my turn to enter the casting room and face Schamberger. “Just relax and try to be at ease,” she suggested reassuringly.
“Look directly into the camera. I’m going to ask you a few questions. We just want to see how you look and hear how you sound.”
Wow! I could hardly contain my excitement. I itched to recite my Lady Macbeth or that soliloquy from Hamlet, but all they wanted was my name; where I lived; my acting experience (school plays); an explanation of why I wanted to be in the film; and what role I wished to play.
It was all over in about three minutes – hardly time to sparkle . Followed by those chilling words: “NEXT!”
Later I asked Schamberger if any stars had leapt out before her (honestly, I was not fishing for a compliment).
“A couple of people did seem to have sparkle and bounce,” she responded. “We have seen some very interesting faces and about three or four will be called back for the next round.”
Puleese, puleese, let me be one, I prayed.
Although male and female actors between the ages of 25 and 45 are being sought, it dawned on me that this was going to be one of those buddy-buddy male bonding performances.
Apart from the big man himself, others in the Robben Island prison posse following the Rivonia trial include Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada and Govin Mbeki – they are still debating whether to include “the white guy” (Denis Goldberg), who was also convicted.
“Oh, don’t worry,” assured Schamberger. “We are rewriting the script to bring in more female characters. At the moment women like Winnie have good strong roles, but not very big parts. That may change.”
She said other open castings will be held in Cape Town and East London, due to huge public demand.
I suppose you are all wondering how I did in my quest for stardom? Well, in the words of the brilliant and insightful Schamberger: “You are a natural. It was a very good interview. You are definitely one of the people we would like to call back for a formal audition.”
I started to visualise where I would put my Oscar and who I would thank in my acceptance speech.
“Just one slight problem,” interrupted Schamberger (uh-oh … I knew it had to come). “How do you think you would cope with trying to speak in a local accent?”
Ah well, looks like my bubble has been pricked. But that’s show business – one minute you’re up and the next you’re down. Maybe I should just stick to my day job.