ACTOR INTERVIEW: “There’s always room to grow.” – Katherine Obiang
Hello, my name is Katherine Obiang. I’m first a broadcaster. I have been in the business of Television and Radio for the last 14 years. The first time I acted was a stage production: The Vagina and Tarzan monologues directed by ‘Wole Oguntokun. My first film was ‘Journey to Self’, produced by Ashionye Raccah and directed by Tope Oshin Ogun.
Did you study acting?
No, I didn’t. I studied accountancy, thanks to my mother. I wanted to study Theatre Arts but she didn’t want to hear of it, Lol. Getting into acting was mere chance. I guess, I was encouraged by friends who felt I could do it.
What acting technique to you use?
I always have to read the lines of a script over and over again, with my eyes closed to ‘taste’ the character. I then create a back story which forms a foundation for the instincts of the character. I in turn surrender my impulses to give birth to the character.
Describe wrong impressions actors hold about acting
Actors take the script for granted, and I think this isn’t professional. You don’t give the character the attention she requires. Actors don’t do enough work on a character and the spectacular lack of depth results in a one-dimensional or flat character.
Do you take courses to improve your craft?
I do most of my reading online. When I have to interpret a deep and challenging role I read ‘An Actor’s Guide to the Art of Acting’
What acting books do you read?
I read ‘The Great Acting Methods and Their Teachers’ by Richard Brestoff. ‘Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus’ by Martina Caldarone and ‘Laban for Actors and Dancers’ by Jean Newlove just to mention a few.
Lovette and Uju wore the same dress.one is couture and the other okrika.can u spot which is which?@katherineobiang pic.twitter.com/LdoCqprWbd
— Kiki Omeili (@kikiomeili) December 24, 2014
How do you keep fit as an actor: mentally, physically?
I think being an actor is mentally draining. I walk briskly in the mornings and evenings. I also work out it helps the skin and the flow of blood in the body.
When you are offered a role, what do you do next?
Oh I’m first excited I then mentally play out the character in my head. I read the script once. I then build the character some more. When I’m sure about the character, I go back to the script and read it repeatedly.
How do you take a character in a script to an honest, believable and breathing person?
As an actor, you have to give birth to the character and relate it to the everyday life of the normal person.
How do you stay fresh on a production set?
I drink a lot of. I take deep breaths. I have discovered power naps also help me a lot.
Explain one creative choice you took on set?
I asked the scriptwriter and director to allow me change a few lines to suit the character. They allowed me and it worked well for the story.
Describe a memorable character you played?
It has to be ‘Uju’ in the Lekki Wives series, back was in 2012
What do you want most from a director?
I prefer someone with creativity, vision that isn’t afraid to push the envelope when working with his actors
What actor do you long to work with?
Charlize Theron
Why this actor?
I love that she completely loses and immerses herself in her role. When I watch her I don’t see Charlize, I see the character. I would love to be in such company.
What advice would you give actors around the world?
Keep improving your craft and never feel you’ve reached the zenith. There’s always room to grow.
Briefly write about your career
I’m a broadcaster, and On-Air Personality with Nigeria Info 99.3 FM Lagos. For years I anchored the daily breakfast show on the Nigerian Television Authority NTA AM Express. My first movie ‘Journey to Self’ hit cinemas in 2013. I also starred in the hit movie-series ‘Lekki Wives’. My other film projects include ‘Heavens Hell’ and ‘In Love and War’. My stage work includes ‘For the Love of Country’ directed by ‘Sola Roberts and The Vagina Monologues and the Ultimate Faceoff: V vs T Monologues. directed by Wole Oguntokun.
