I recently went for an audition in Rosebank. On my way there, I met Nomsa Buthelezi, a very bubbly and warm individual. She did not recognize me @ first but when I introduced myself, she realized that I am the lady that opened the "Creative Minds Women Arts Festival"organised by Julian Mokoto-Seleke in Mahikeng in Aug 2013 with a poem titled "Imbokodo", and closed with my one-man production "Vat 'n Sit" and in the end took home the "Overall Best Actress Award" for 2013.
She then burst into a very loud laugh shouting "Oh my word, it is you". We both were so excited and clicked immediately. Then our journey started.
She told me exactly what to expect when we get to the audition, who will say what, and how I should re-act. At first I thought she might be over-exaggerating the situation about auditions but she was indeed right.
The lady who registers the actors @ the reception was so mean to me simply because I am a new face and she wanted me to feel that she was incharge. I was so embarrassed and felt really unworthy but then I remembered Nomsa's first words " toughen up because this industry can be cruel".
Nomsa advised me to stay grounded and true to myself irrespective of the fame and fortune I might bump into. She shared her experiences of the industry and how she always had to work extra hard because of her weight. How people always perceived that because you don't have the right "look", the right "skintone", the right "size", the right "accent" you are just not good enough.
In today's world, television has conditioned our mind to believe that natural talent is no longer a requirement to be in a good television soap, all you need is the right look. And by that they actually mean you have to be skinny, bleached, blond and a robot for you to be accepted as an acceptable actress, who is taken seriously and can actually earn a living from the talent!
Nomsa is a real inspiration, one woman I will have embedded in my heart and memory forever. For she has initiated me,shared her life and career experience with me. She became open and shared her deepest thoughts with someone she doesn't really know, simply because she believes in her talent and is not threatened by new talent on the block.
She spoke of the beauty of theatre and how loyal theatre is."It will never abandon you when you grow old, or gain a few kilos, or loose an arm or a leg, or even when half your face is burned" she said.
Theatre is life and the audience have an immediate reaction to your performance, so you just know if you delivered or not. She urged me to continue in that route and never forget my humble beginnings and a home that theatre is to me.
Through that experience, I learned that in this world people might not always believe in you, or you might not be the model they are looking for. But someone out there will recognize your talent and embrace it. I now know that this industry is not child's play and you have to work hard to claim your place in it.
It is all about trying, praying, having faith and just delivering what you know you are capable of. The journey is long and tough, but the fruits are all worth it.
To Nomsa, I just want to say that I think you are a natural. A kasi girl who never allowed any circumstances and heartbreak to get you down. You are like a well oiled machine, versatile and expressive with no fear of how you will be perceived. You have done a wonderful job by just being you.
I hope you enjoyed the "chips with all the lovely sauces". You made my day and most importantly, you instilled the confidence I needed to tackle these auditions head on.
Nobody will ever succeed in getting me down, no matter how famous you are. And I will do whatever I can to make sure that I get there because , I DO HAVE A LOT TO OFFER to the industry.
And like you rightfully said "Kim, I think the industry will be excited to see you, they have no idea, who has just landed". I am manning up and following my dreams.
Love you Norms, you are GOLDEN!
KIMEPISODES
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