I studied Law and later acquired an intermediate diploma in French. In 2005, I worked as a television presenter and producer for a studio, on a show called POSITIVE VIBES. Two years later, having done amateur theatre for many years, I got my first professional theatre experience: KWAZIKA, directed by June Jack and written/produced by Uche Iloka. It was during rehearsals for KWAZIKA that I met Joke Silva, who basically gave me the encouragement I needed to decide on pursuing a career in acting.
Did you study acting
In 2009, I quit my 9-5 job and moved to Lagos. I was in the pioneer set of LAPA (a performing arts school set up by Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva) where I won the award for best student (I had to insert that, lol). I was taught speech techniques and acting for film by Joke Silva. We also learned dance and movement techniques. Because I was already a practicing actor, I discovered that I was already doing many of those things, but didn’t realise the motivation or reasoning behind those techniques. So, performing arts school was helpful in showing me how to manipulate my gift.
Tune to Africa Magic Urban, Channel 153 @8:30pm for another riveting episode of #AdukeHotel @Ultimalimited pic.twitter.com/cG8K79SOxM
— Omoye BROWNIE Uzams (@OmoyeUzams) June 14, 2015
What acting technique do you use
For every new role, I have to discover which technique(s) suits best, from simple things like learning lines to becoming the character. Because each character is different, there is a different challenge and an entirely different approach may be required to tackle the challenge. Having studied the various acting techniques, I have come to understand what they have in common: Becoming. Experiencing everything that is happening like it IS happening to me and reacting truthfully under those circumstances. When I played OLUCHI in Aduke Hotel, I had to cry in a scene and being a non crier naturally, it was a challenge. The director said I didn’t absolutely have to, as this was a Sitcom, but I would have none of it. I found myself depending on Emotional Memory (a technique from Stanislavski), by thinking of my Uncle who had passed away and it worked! I will admit though, that it was a little distracting. It is always better to suspend all judgement and live in the truth of your character’s predicament.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
That voice acting is for animators only. Many actors favour facial expressions well above the use of voice. So that doing ADR is a struggle. When the picture is turned off, the emotion mudt be felt in the voice as well. That acting is fun. I think acting is work, work that can be fun, but most of all it is very fulfilling. Perhaps this feeling of fulfilment is what we confuse for fun. Add to it, the fact that it comes naturally to many of us. It is a great experience and it is utterly exhilarating, but acting is a profession, with ethics, a job to be taken seriously. Acting is spiritual. Every time we play a role, we are opening ourselves up to the spirit of that character. Playing a person with abandonment issues, for example, means that you open your spirit being to the real issues the character is dealing with. After filming, we must cleanse, in order to return to the default mode and eventually to play another role. It is much like changing makeup; the face must be cleansed for every new application.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
Yes! I am very critical of my work in every detail, so I’m constantly studying, practicing and learning something new. I also like group workshops, because it offers the opportunity to see a new trick from other actors. One of my things is to watch scenes or films over and over again. Vulnerability is beautiful to watch, whether it is coming from a man or a woman.
What acting books do you read
My favourites are: “The Art of Film Acting” by Jeremiah Comey, “Acting For Film” from The Actors’ Studio and “An Actor Prepares” by Stanislavski… I have recently started reading “Directing Actors” by Judith Weston.
How do you keep fit as an actor
I try to exercise as often as my schedule allows. Aerobics exercises are my favourite, because they help my body to stay flexible. Zumba is fun because I like dancing. I am an avid reader of books; fiction please!! lol. Because I read/listen in pictures, my imagination is constantly active. I study people a lot, especially folk who are different from me or scenarios that I generally wouldn’t find myself. Watching people is very interesting, especially when they aren’t aware. There is a vulnerability in them that is genuine. As an actor, it is your life’s goal to portray that vulnerability genuinely. Practice. Practice. Practice!
When you’re offered a role, what do you do next
I read the first time to enjoy the story, then I read in relation to the character I am playing. After that I begin to study the character in relation to the story. Reading over and over again reveals a different side to the story in layers similar to an onion. I believe in rehearsals, especially for stage performances.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable and breathing person
I ask questions about their life, personality, family, lifestyle, background, etc. I discover their objectives, feelings and motives. Everything to be discovered is in the script and it takes several reads for the layers to unfold from the script and to overlap in my heart. You will find it in the lines of other characters or in the scene heading, but it is all there. Group conversations with other characters are helpful, because something in another character’s response feeds my own character. Now, if I’m perfectly honest, I absolutely have to pray. Acting is so very spiritual. It is a big responsibility, to portray someone else’s reality and I need wisdom for every step. I don’t rely on my talent or training alone but also on the Giver of this beautiful gift.
How do you stay fresh on set
Music; the kind of shoot determines what genre of music to play. I always have my ipod around, or put it away if it’s a distraction. Isolation keeps my emotions paused, like a car engine revved and running, waiting to go. And brain food keeps my senses sharp. Other times, I maintain interaction with co-actors to keep the mood or chemistry alive.
Describe a memorable character you played
My director once allowed me do a very long monologue without giving me any blockings. It was a welcome challenge to be left on my own. I took ownership of the stage and the director was pleased.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
I was lead in a Sitcom Aduke Hotel (2013). The character, OLUCHI was a 22 year old dreamy romantic who was desperate to marry but didn’t know the last thing about relationships. I am completely different from her, personality and convictions. I chose character acting for the five weeks of shoot and when I really became OLUCHI, even Omoye started defending her choices. It seemed that her fears, concerns and experiences had become mine.
What do you want most from a director
In the work environment, one needs to be able to adapt to any style (or lack thereof) of work. I appreciate a director who knows how to communicate effectively with each actor.
What actors do you long to work with
Any actor? Meryl Streep, Viola Davies, Susan Sarandon, Taraji P. Henson, Lauretta Devine, Maggie Smith, Emma Stone, Cate Blanchet, David Oyelowo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gérard Butler, Michael Fassbender, and several others, too numerous to mention.
Why
Ms. Streep’s ability to transform into an entirely new person, unrecognisable in voice, mannerism and personality is amazing. Really, for each actor, something in me speaks and reaches out whenever I watch their work and my heart wants to be a part of that emotional connection/experience.
What advice would you give to actors
Stay true to your art, but remember the kid in you and always re-adorn yourself in the kid’s garment after work is done. Read to exercise your imagination, keep studying and practicing your craft and remember, the goal is not notoriety but consistency.
Briefly write about your career
I’ve played the sick, ageing mother of someone who has played my older brother aged 23; I have worked in the most comfortable and the hostile environments; I have worked with industry veterans and very young actors; I have taught and been taught acting. My work speaks for itself and motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of excellence. In the end, I’m glad that I’ve only done good work. Each project is a step forward in experience, craft building and in booking more jobs.
