Blossom Chukwujekwu - Actor. Africa

Blossom Chukwujekwu

OLADAPO: GIVE A CONCISE BIOGRAPHY OF YOURSELF?

BLOSSOM: The name is Blossom Chukwujekwu, from Nnewi North, Anambra state. I hold a Bsc. in Mass Communication from the Benson Idahosa University, where I was involved in various theatre projects with the House of Theatre (H.O.T.) on and off-stage; these include Cinderella Story, Onome and Godless which still is the most successful piece in the school’s history yet. Acting in the University not only prepared me for the industry by giving me a hands-on experience but was also the defining factor for my career choice. After school I moved to Lagos to pursue my dream. Am a firm believer in the fact that acting can change the world because actors are interpreters of the truth. Not only personal truth in a specific moment but greater truth for mankind. This is why I act.

OLADAPO: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACTING?

BLOSSOM: Acting for me involves a lot of psychology. Simply put listening and reacting instinctively. Granting my partners the permission to influence my moment to moment reality of each scene. The film audience wants amazing clarity and brutal honesty, thus I try to give them a human experience by creating characters that would move them while staying true to the story. I must state that I am an ardent believer in method acting.

OLADAPO: HOW DID YOU GET INTO ACTING?

BLOSSOM: Funny thing I actually fell in love with writing stories in my early years then music but some where along the line acting won my heart totally. I wonder what it would be the next time, lol. The defining moment for me was when I played Ukemu, the lead male in the play Godless back in school. It’s a feeling I still can’t describe but most importantly it’s impact on the entire school.

OLADAPO: DID YOU STUDY ACTING?

BLOSSOM: I haven’t studied acting as extensively as I want to but am working on it. I read lots of acting books and take online courses.

OLADAPO: DO YOU OPERATE ON INSTINCTS WHEN ACTING?

BLOSSOM: A great actor’s got to be spontaneous or whatever you might call it, instinctive, impulsive. I go with what serves the character in the moment. What’s true, what’s pure, what’s real and original.

OLADAPO: WHAT ACTING TECHNIQUE TO YOU USE?

BLOSSOM: I have come across a couple of cool methods and I go with a bit of all. I still would say method acting stands out for me.

OLADAPO: BRIEFLY DESCRIBE A FEW WRONG IMPRESSIONS ACTORS HAVE ABOUT ACTING

BLOSSOM: A lot of actors think you can score it with just good looks and diction but its a whole lot more. There are intricate techniques of craft that have to be practised to be able to illuminate the actions of your character with deep truths that will suspend your audience reality. Some actors also come just to read their lines but what they don’t know is that there’s a reason for every line in the script. Until you decipher that reason which is the subtext your delivery of those lines will be wrong.

OLADAPO: DO YOU OFTEN TAKE COURSES IN ACTING TO INCREASE YOUR CRAFT?

BLOSSOM: I have to! It’s of utmost importance. The theatre GROUP has some very good material. The Method Centre have been pretty helpful as well.

OLADAPO: WHAT BOOKS DO YOU READ?

BLOSSOM: ‘Acting for Film’ by Cathy Haase, ‘The Road Less Travelled’ by M. Scott Peck, ‘Battle Field of the Mind’ and ‘The Secret’ are a must read. I love motivational and history books.

OLADAPO: HOW DO YOU KEEP IN SHAPE AS AN ACTOR?

BLOSSOM: It’s a lot of work. I dey knack head for wall, lol. Am never satisfied with my self so I keep reading, keep observing, keep relaxing, keep training, keep searching for self, keep building a rich imagery, keep interacting with like minds, you know, keep living life to the fullest

OLADAPO: WHAT PHYSICAL EXERCISES DO YOU DO TO KEEP IN SHAPE?

BLOSSOM: Exercise! I am pretty lazy at working out! Lol. May be because my body responds fast. But I try the best I can to be in good physical condition. Morning jugs, push ups, sit up and stuff.

OLADAPO: WHEN YOU ARE OFFERED A ROLE, WHAT DO YOU DO?

BLOSSOM: I read the script twice. The first time I breeze through to get the gist of the story. The second time I pay particular attention to my character’s emotional landscape, this helps you create what’s necessary for the picture. Then I drop the script. Research and create the character’s inner life and history or back story, unlocking the frozen aspects of the world he lives in. Very important is to make all the mistakes in rehearsal, nothing to loose.

OLADAPO: HOW DO YOU TAKE A CHARACTER IN A SCRIPT TO A HONEST, BELIEVABLE AND BREATHING PERSON?

BLOSSOM: Freeing your psyche allows you total immersion into your world of play so first of all I love and accept the character. I totally agree with and justify his thought process and choices. I also try to understand my relationship and association with place, time, actions, objects and characters. I find the needs and intentions of the character and serve them. It’s a lot of work. A pretty long emotional journey.

OLADAPO: HOW DO YOU REMAIN FRESH ON A FILM SET?

BLOSSOM: Focus! being as relaxed as possible, I try not to wear myself out. And constant meditation. most importantly just being the character.

OLADAPO: WHAT ‘THING/SITUATION’ HELPS YOUR CHARACTER DURING A PRODUCTION?

BLOSSOM: The bigger picture. The impact of the finished work. It’s also great working with fantastic actors, that helps a lot. Listening is GOLD!

OLADAPO: EXPLAIN A CREATIVE CHOICE YOU TOOK ON SET OF A RECENT PRODUCTION

BLOSSOM: I was the head of a robbery gang and the director wanted an intense scene with all the jumpy bouncy action but I decided to play it cool, less dialogue, calculated body movement and some humour. It worked.

OLADAPO: WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE SCREEN CHARACTER YOU HAVE PLAYED?

BLOSSOM: Reginald Orji, Valour.

Blossom Chukwujekwu

OLADAPO: WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM A DIRECTOR DURING A PRODUCTION?

BLOSSOM: I want a director I can trust to lead me as his/her instrument. One that also trusts and respects your creative choices. One who has a balance between his artistry and his technique, that’s an actor’s director.

OLADAPO: HOW DO YOU PREFER TO WORK WITH A DIRECTOR DURING A PRODUCTION?

BLOSSOM: Constant communication. Very importantly you want a director that listens, as every creative person is a cunning thief. We feed off each other.

OLADAPO: DO YOU GET OFFERS FROM FILM INDUSTRIES? LIKE HOLLYWOOD, BOLLYWOOD OR NOLLY WOOD?

BLOSSOM: Bollywood and Hollywood not yet but am VERY optimistic! I would pass for Will Smith’s brother don’t you think, hahaha. Am in Nollywood so that’s a yes! Oya o! Tyler Perry where you at!

OLADAPO: WHAT DO YOU THINK AN ACTOR CAN DO TO GET INTO THE FILM INDUSTRY?

BLOSSOM: Get proper training, have the right contacts and get as many gigs as possible.

OLADAPO: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR?

BLOSSOM: Whoa!! To pick one would be pretty difficult. Where do I start! There are a couple to choose from: Don Cheadle, Will smith, Leonardo Dicaprio, Johnny Depp, Sir Anthony Hopkins, our own Majid Michel and Ramsey Noah. Whew!!! Lots more.

OLADAPO: WHY IS THIS ACTOR YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR?

BLOSSOM: Hmmm…let me see…Don is a character actor, Will is a bankable craftsman, Dicaprio is versatile, Johnny is incredibly engaging, Sir Hopkins men! men! Men! No words to describe him. Majid is deep and intense. Ramsey is a very intelligent actor.

OLADAPO: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AMATEUR ACTORS AROUND THE WORLD?

BLOSSOM: Know what you want, believe in yourself and go for it. Commit to God, stay humble and focused. Study and understand the ‘show’ the ‘business’ and the ‘craft’. Get proper training and keep upping your game. NEVER stop searching for self, an actor’s curiosity is GOLD! Remember that everyday someone, somewhere wakes up, gets on a plane or a bus coming to take your spot. Are you gonna let them? ‘Nuf said.

OLADAPO: BRIEFLY WRITE ABOUT YOUR CAREER

BLOSSOM: I have played quite a number of roles; from the suave company executive on Africa’s biggest TV show Tinsel, the street thug in the yet to be released action flick, Cobra, to a highly juvenile university undergraduate in Passionate Envy, including a 40 year old principled journalist in ‘Valou’r the movie. My most recent work is Flower girl, a romantic comedy. More info on that at www.flowergirlthemovie.com. You can also find details of the thriller, Commandment 7 at www.gomadfilms.com.

I am addicted to the joy I derive from creating characters and hope that people are not just entertained by my performances but are also introduced to deeper truths and moved to embrace them. This for me provides the fulfillment of not being fulfilled. I feel so blessed to be where I am and must say I have met some really amazing people on my way. I am grateful to God.

Blossom Chukwujekwu – Actor. Africa

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