Local actors to benefit from US training
A window of opportunity has opened for aspiring local actors who stand to benefit from a peer interactive training organised by some local film players with support from US-based Vallejo Shakespeare.
The group, which is being led by actor Kelvin Ngoma who starred in Malawi’s Hollywood movie The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, will receive technical and financial assistance from the United States (US) Embassy through its public affairs office.
The training is expected to take place in Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre next month. Ngoma will be joined on the list of facilitators by seasoned actress and award-winning director Joyce Mhango-Chavula and actress Constance Thyangathyanga.
US theatre groups Vallejo Shakespeare and Participant Media, who have helped in the development of the training modules, will oversee the training.
Vallejo Shakespeare executive producing director Dalia Vidor in an email interview from USA said they hope to provide insights and advice on how to act on screen using a short film to be presented during the training which features one of their directors Clinton Vidal.
Vidor said: “One of the greatest mistakes fresh film actors make is to indicate or use unnatural exaggerated body language to show the audience what they’re thinking or doing.”
While admitting that she is not familiar with the local movie industry, Vidor said she understands that it is in its infancy and developing quickly and is excited to see more African movies being produced which reflects the growth of the industry.
Ngoma in an interview said the project aims at helping upcoming actors achieve their full potential.
He said: “We are targeting all aspiring actors who would like to venture into serious acting. But we will also consider other established names who would love to sharpen their skills.”
The training will start on October 12 at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe then on October 19, it will take place at Jacaranda Cultural Centre (JCC) in Blantyre before winding up on October 26 at E-Hub in Mzuzu.
