Pupil stars in gang movie

Skei said he had no formal training prior to his role as Ricardo in the movie. He plays a 13-year-old chess prodigy from the Cape Flats. “In the movie Ricardo uses his skill at playing chess to overcome the obstacles of gangsterism in his community,” explained Skei. “Acting in the movie was amazing for me, it was my first acting experience.”

He said he was invited by a friend to attend a drama academy with him. “I enjoyed the first session and thought this is something I can do,” said Skei. Soon after, he auditioned for the movie and was chosen by the director. He said his family was surprised to find out that he could act.

He was born in Cape Town but lives in Johannesburg. Skei said, “I had to work twice as hard to prepare for this role because the movie is set in Cape Town and about the Cape Town culture. I grew up and live in Joburg so I had to learn everything about Cape Town. It was a challenge. I had to learn Cape Town slang as well, but I did it.”

He said he learned a lot from the more experienced actors on set. “They acted as my mentors and helped me prepare for my role,” said Skei.

He was away from school while shooting the film for six weeks. “I never really missed out on any schoolwork because I had a tutor. When I was not shooting I was doing schoolwork,” he said.

During the making of the film, Skei said he was most fascinated by how the actors would switch from their acting roles and back to themselves again. “Everyone knew when to act and when to stop. Getting in and out of character was hard for me at first.”

Skei enjoys basketball, hanging out with his friends and rugby. He said everyone has always known him at school even before starring in the film. “I do not have a big head or anything like that because at home I was taught to stay humble,” he said. “I do not get special treatment at home either and I still have to do my chores.”

Details: Four Corners

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