Sterlopers #ActressLife

Last night on kykNET was the debut night of the very first episode of the brand new Afrikaans youth series Sterlopers. Drama and intrigue, artists and relationships, dreams both realised and shattered. I really think this series is going to take the Afrikaans audience by storm and I hope it will be followed with much interest by the industry and with almost religious devotion by its fans.

I do have a certain personal bias, as I have many talented actor friends who are cast in the series; some who are celebrating their debuts along with the series and others who are just building their screen careers from strength to strength. It is so great to see fellow artists receive the opportunity to shine in their own right, doing exactly what they love to do and being celebrated for it. My hope is that this will open even more doors of opportunity for even more artists out there, just aching to be given the chance. 

Let me indulge in boosting my friends a little...

Marno van der Merwe (plays the character of Brad Jooste) - what can I say, he was designed for the screen and I had the privilege of watching him work on the Sterlopers set a few times...  

I am personally a big fan.

Follow him @marnovdmerwe.

Suzzi Swanepoel with this possibly being her first major screen credit, plays the layered Isabel Richter so well. I can't wait to see the rest of her character's story unfold. 

Follow her @SuzziSwanepoel.

Marlee van der Merwe (no relation to Marno) plays the feisty and manipulating Alexia Kriel. She is just gorgeous on camera and portrays the character you just love to hate and secretly envy with relish.

Follow her @MrsMarls. 

Nadia Beukes sinks her teeth into the character of Ingrid Cilliers. It's fabulous to see her in this kind of character that breaks away from her familiar presenting profile and showcases Nadia for the great actress she is. 

Jaco Muller (Henk) who in fact has several screen titles under his belt already, is just such a pleasure to watch. His ease and comfort, his comedic timing and brilliance. I happen to be long-time family friends with Jaco and I've a special sister-like feeling of pride and satisfaction when I see Jaco earn such well deserved roles, praise and recognition. 

Follow him @Jaco_Muller.

Trix Vivier, so beautifully cast in her role as Vicky Ferreira. She's the likable and relatable girl-next-door and another one to keep your eye on. 

Follow her @TrixVivier.

Zak Hendrikz, (only from ep. 3) as the music video director - his subtlety is genius. I wish I could climb into his head and figure out how he does that. Follow him @zakhendrikz.

Franci Swanepoel is magnificent and delightful in the role of Brad Jooste's mom, Lorraine. 

Charlie Bouguenon as the sleazy Joe de Villiers is an absolute scene -stealer. I wish we could see more of him. Follow him @TheCharlieGuy.

Jenna Dunster, whom I so admire for her incredibly strong performance and delightfully quirky character Emma Liebenberg, will undoubtedly become a crowd favourite. 

There are many other names to note and many who will only appear in later scenes... Izak Davel and Andre Swartz, who both just bring a level of professionalism to their work. The talented Edrien Erasmus, Marissa Drummond, Cobus Venter and Lare Birk, will all only appear later on in the season.
So, best you PVR those episodes on Tuesdays at 19.30!

Last night, many of the cast and crew gathered together in anticipation at the home of extraordinary Director Quentin Krog, to watch the first episode together. In my eyes Quentin has managed to truly set new parameters in this field, both with his on-set direction style and in his choices with post production and shooting style. Hats off Quin. Follow him @QuentinKrog. 

It was the best way to watch the first one, with so many individuals who shared a hand in the creation of the series rooting for each other and celebrating its fruition. The evening was filled with laughter and celebration and I feel a sense of pride in having had some small part in it. I was lucky enough to be involved on a creative level together with hubby Ferdinand Gernandt. Our company FADCreationS was responsible for the choreography and some staging of the series and we both thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. 

If you follow the episodes you may even glimpse me a few times as one of the dancers auditioning, rehearsing, shooting music videos and such. It was a crazy fun shoot and I would do it again in a heartbeat! 

Here's lifting a glass to Sterlopers Series 2!

Check out the trailer below for the season now running on kykNET every Tuesday at 19.30. 

Chat soon, 

Bread and Wine - An Easter Musical #Projects

It is the holy week of Easter and I had the privilege to have a hand in creating a musical production for Woord en Lewe church community, which opens this Thursday 17 April. Bread and Wine, an Easter Musical tells the story in a new and very tangible way to celebrate this important date on the calender. This experience makes you freshly aware of the impact Jesus' death and resurrection may have had on those who loved Him and those who hardly knew Him.

This project began months ago when the first rehearsals took place from early February and the cast of about 17 have been committed to give their time and talents for many weeks to finally produce a spirit-filled story with passion and purpose. It is remarkable to see the progress and growth over so many weeks and beyond that, the extraordinary bonds of friendship and family formed, the spiritual journeys and the deep attachment to each other and the project.

It was special to be asked by my friend and former colleague, Ettienne Booysen to choreograph and assist with direction on the production. I feel so honoured to have been given the opportunity to share and to receive so much. Ettienne is also the creator of the concept, the enchanting script and lyrics, many of the creative designs, project management and direction. It's been really great to work with him again and I so admire all that he puts into a project of this magnitude. I also got to work with two fabulous ladies again, Michelle Cronje  and Maryke de Kooker who are individually involved in the technical calling of the production, team coordinating, musical arrangement and direction. They are both such power-houses to have on any creative team.

It has been brilliant to get to know each cast member and to watch the piece unfold and slowly build every week, block for block to completion. I have huge admiration for the husband and wife team, Tommy and Elaine Ackerman, who took on this big project, believed in it, put in all the extra hours and energy to have it become a reality and even prepare for and play pivotal characters in the story. I wish them and the entire team of dedicated individuals working on Bread and Wine - An Easter Musical every success and blessing with the project. I trust that it will have God-led impact and influence on all who come to see it this week. Cannot wait for it to open on Thursday, and there are more performances on Good Friday and Saturday. If this is something you would love to see, just visit the Woord en Lewe website for info.

Happy Easter all, Much Love ~