ACTOR INTERVIEW: “the work feels like play, but we do not play with it” – Adaora Ukoh
My name is Adaora Ukoh. I was born 27th April; I have a Law degree from the University of Lagos. I am a native of Anambra State, Nigeria. I acted for the first time was in a drama group. We did a play for end of the year party. I remember I did so well and I got an ovation but my parents weren’t there so it made little or no meaning to me.
Did you study acting?
Back in secondary school, I wanted to be like an actress who lived in my neighborhood, she had done a successful movie and became the cynosure of all eyes, she took me to my first audition and I got my first role.
What acting technique do you use?
I draw on personal experiences: emotions, real life motivations and memories. It is called the magic ‘As-If’.
Describe wrong impressions actors hold about acting?
Acting is not phonetics; acting is not about looks; acting is not competition with other actors.
Do you take courses to improve your craft?
I attend film workshops and seminars. I plan to do a professional course in acting and filmmaking soon
What acting books do you read?
‘Audition’ by Michael Shurtleff. I consider this book the acting bible, for actors at the start of their career. It’s a good read. An Actor Prepares by Constantin Stanislavski. The book takes an actor through a self-development system first documented by Stanislavski to help the actor master his craft and In-Depth Acting by Dee Canon.
How do you keep fit as an actor: mentally, physically?
I take the proper diet and eat right. I keep fit at every chance I get, but I don’t work out rigorously. If your body feels up to it it’s a really good. I do more Pilates, Dance Exercises, Swimming and Road Walk. I get bored easily, so I must find time to do different routines to keep it going. I use the Spa a lot to relax any tensed nerve before or after a particular shooting. I relax a lot; have my fun time, quiet time and most especially PRAYER time with God. It just balances Life
Miranda. What could she be up to @adaoraukoh pic.twitter.com/zkaO9z3OED
— Blessing Effiom Egbe (@BLESSINGEGBE) December 22, 2014
When you are offered a role, what do you do next?
If am offered a role, the first thing I do is to read the script. I read with the intent to understand the theme of the movie and plot. If I get interested in the project I begin to internalize character as I create it mentally. I return to read the script multiple gradually understanding my lines.
How do you take a character in a script to an honest, believable and breathing person?
It is an organic process to stay in character while onset of a production. I would describe it as wearing the character both consciously and unconsciously; pretending, controlling and manipulating the character using the script my guide.
How do you stay fresh on a production set?
It is very much an internal process: I like to work from the inside out. I concentrate; put my mind to the role. I use the magic ‘as-if’ to create the character, I surrender to this process. I imagine things physical about my body that I can bring in to keep the character in the moment. It is all in my subconscious and this input helps trigger honest instincts that help me physically and emotionally to keep the character alive.
Explain one creative choice you took on set?
I asked the director to allow me play a scene in two ways. He eventually went with my take.
Describe a memorable character you played?
I played the role of a country prostitute, Anika in an independent movie titled in the native lingo ‘Onye Ga Anum’ or ‘Who Will Marry Me?’. The film was set in the early 1940s. I was in a very hilarious costume with funny hair and makeup tying raffia wrapper up to my chest. The character’s behavior pattern made it memorable for me.
What do you want most from a director?
Leadership, guidance; these factors bring an actor to play her role very well. I want a director to bring out the best in his actors; giving them room to push the boundaries of a character.
What actor do you long to work with?
Why this actor?
He is what we call ‘an actor’s actor’. I like how he interprets his characters or roles. He’s instincts are deep, fresh, honest and very dramatic; he looks really good, nice, sexy and warmth….. (Am I drooling???)….LOL.
What advice would you give actors around the world?
Be passionate, prayerful and persistent. Yes, our work feels like we play, but we do not play with it. Its serious work
Briefly write about your career
I am known as the big, bold and beautiful face of the independent film community in Nigeria or Nollywood. I acted in school and religious group drama clubs. I starred in a television drama series at 16. I have featured in movies like Karishika, Bottleneck, Evil Genius and Evil Men. I quit acting for 6 years to pursue a degree in Law and returned in 2006 with a movie titled Black Bra. I launched a plus sized clothing-line called ‘adorecouture’ in May 2012. My production outfit, ‘The BigSistz Productions’ produced the award-winning short ‘EPITAPH’. I love myself, Job and country.
