BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MANZINI – Hundreds of aspiring actors crammed the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) offices in Manzini earlier today to try their luck for Season Three of the South African soap opera, Isitha the Enemy.
In an exclusive interview, ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini shared that the response to the auditions was extremely overwhelming. He explained that the auditions were a result of a three-day Art summit that took place at IDM last month in Matsapha. “We are happy to see South African actors come to scout talent right here at home. We are also pleased to see our emaSwati recognize that when we do a film, we are not just doing it for our own territory, but for the world, because of the vast platforms available. This collaboration with South Africa opens up a huge audience of 60 million people. The demand is there, and millions across various countries will be watching our emaSwati.”
Dlamini emphasized that emaSwati have a great opportunity to showcase their talent whenever the film is viewed worldwide.
It is worth mentioning that a total of three lucky actors will get the chance to take part in Season Three of Isitha, which airs on e.TV channel 194 on weekdays at 9:30 PM. Three local emaSwati have previously had roles on the TV soap opera, including comedian Jacob Gedlembane Shongwe, Hloniphile Sihlongonyane, and Lawrence Sihlongonyane. Isitha premiered on e.TV in May of last year.
Award-winning producers from Black Brain Pictures, along with South African TV director Mandla N, who was the head scout, arrived at the venue at 10:39 AM. They were joined by award-winning actor Sello Maake Ka Ncube and Nelisa Nayimulu, who served as judges for the auditions.
Notable participants included Mathokoza Sibiya, Anakhonza Kunene, and Mr. Eswatini First Prince Msimisi Dlamini.
The auditions were initially planned for 200 aspiring actors, but with 350 registrations received, the call for auditions closed early. According to Dlamini, the total number of aspiring actors exceeded 500, which is why they had to end the registration earlier.
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for aspiring actors in Eswatini to showcase their talent on a prominent platform. Excitement is high as the auditions approach, and the industry looks forward to uncovering new talent.
