Performers blossom when curtain raises
The two Kearsney College learners are currently performing at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Curtain Up!
CATCHY musical favourites from The Wiz and Little Shop of Horrors to Cats and Cabaret have been woven into the script about a diverse group of talented actors who take shelter from the rain in a derelict theatre where, to their delight, they discover the evocative remnants of past productions.
Inspired by the idea of bringing the old theatre back to life, William, who plays the role of Ethan, and Sihle, who takes on the character of Sifiso, have found themselves in a love triangle in the production.
The duo work really well together and have shared similar interests.
The Kearsney lads were unaware about one another auditioning and, when they saw each other there, it boosted their confidence, which evidently worked to their advantage.
“To know that you have a close friend, who shares the same dream, physically beside you and enjoying this wonderful journey, is amazing,” said Sihle.
William has a fair amount of experience when it comes to acting, his love for it flowered in pre-primary school, and he has slowly grown into the passionate actor he is today.
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His first big role was in Grade 6, in the school musical, Oliver, where he acted as Mr Sowerberry. He has acted in several other school productions, Curtain Up! is his first professional production.
“Performing is my passion and I can’t see myself doing anything else,” said William.
One of Young’s favourite parts in Curtain Up! is when his character, Ethan, realises that you can’t control everything going on in your life and sometimes you’ve just got to go with the flow and be who you are.
Sihle, on the other hand, sometimes struggles to come back from the dreamlike experiences at the rehearsals.
He reminisces on rehearsals and stated he has not had that many challenges with regards to the production as he enjoys challenging himself and pushes to see improvement in his performance.
When he is acting, Sihle feels as if he is in his natural environment and, whenever he gets up on stage, he believes he is exactly where he should be.
“Sifiso is a confident and charismatic guy. He is assertive, out going, self-aware and knows what he wants, this allows him the ability to focus on one thing at a time so that he puts all his energy into that one thing, a character that a lot of people will grow to love,” Sihle said.
Both actors said that being a part of Curtain Up! has been a phenomenal experience and that working with a professional team has granted them a world of experience.
The duo hope to leave the audience with a simple message conveyed through Curtain Up!, everyone belongs.
Show your support for the local thespians and book your tickets to the show through Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers, by phone on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com.
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