For two decades, Iretiola Doyle has built a name in art, communication, fashion and mentoring. The only thing she is yet to do is slow down. That, she tells Executive Editor, OLUMIDE IYANDA, won’t happen anytime soon
Iretiola Doyle
You are returning to the stage in May for a production titled Hear Word, which showcases true stories of triumph from 20 different Nigerian women. Will it be anything like Vagina Monologues, which touches on matters that affect women like sex, love, rape, menstruation, female genital mutilation, masturbation, birth and orgasm?
Very much so! The vision of the play, Hear Word, is to engage, empower, transform and celebrate Nigerian women around the world through high quality performance art. It is dedicated to giving Nigerian women a platform from which they can be heard. The visionary behind the project is Ifeoma Fafunwa who has done some of the writing, all of the editing and is also directing and producing.
Like Vagina Monologues, Hear Word parades a stellar cast of powerful, and, if I may say, beautiful, actresses. Are there ugly behind-the-scene moments?
Truth be told, the very nature of a stage production does not make too many allowances for such ugly episodes. The success (or failure) of a stage show largely depends on how well all the players are able to mesh and become one formidable machine. The process to achieving this takes place over a gruelling period of three to six weeks, where strong bonds are formed and there is implicit trust that we all have each other’s backs, knowing that if one person looks bad, we all look bad. I make bold to say that for this singular reason alone, stage actors are cut from a different kind of cloth.
Why do you think producers pick you for these roles?
I’d like to think it is because I’m a damn good actress! Beyond that, like I advise the young ones that are “given to me”, a great attitude helps, plus you’ve got to be a good team player and be able to get the job done with minimum fuss.
If you were to tell me your biggest personal success story, which will it be?
Being here today, alive and well. Living my dream and still being very relevant after 19 years in the business, and often being paid an obscene amount of money to do what I would actually do for free!
How huge for you was your best actress prize award for Torn?
It was huge! Nineteen years, maximum of not more than 20 films (most probably less), three nominations, and finally the big one in a year that paraded some of Nigeria’s most formidable actresses in the category? It doesn’t get bigger than that. The next best thing would be an Oscar!
What has the journey being like from Riddles and Hope in 1995 to Mnet’s Tinsel currently in its seventh season?
With hindsight, fulfilling. I say that because in the early days, there were many doubts and frustrations, and many a dry season. Looking back and seeing where I am today, I say boldly that all things have indeed worked together for my good.
How often do people mistake Iretiola Doyle for Sheila Ade-Williams, your character in Tinsel?
All the time! My default mode is to be soft-spoken, (outwardly) calm and solicitous of others a lot of times to the detriment of myself. That describes Sheila Ade-Williams to a tee.
There have been ins and outs on Tinsel, what has kept you going?
This is my fifth season; I joined the cast on Season 2. Honestly speaking, I know and say as many times as I get the opportunity that in my career, I can only take credit for two things – showing up and giving 150 per cent of my time, attention and ability to any given task. Opportunity and positioning are not in my hands. To answer your question more directly, I’d like to think it is for the same reasons articulated earlier – I am very good at my craft, I try to maintain a positive attitude and I deliver with minimum fuss.
Is Tinsel more rewarding in naira and kobo than previous television productions?
Yup!
Do you like TV productions more than movies?
Not necessarily. It just turns out that most of my acting credits have been earned on TV and stage as opposed to film.
Some actors can’t act on stage to save their lives. What is the secret of people like you, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw and Bimbo Akintola?
Thorough training and discipline.
How soon is Oge returning to TV?
Soon. I am reluctant to put a definite date on it, as we are are still in production and I have shot just enough material for five episodes. I want to produce 13 before we go on air. It is going slowly because of my commitment to other productions, plus it is a whole new different ball game – the production values are higher, meaning it costs a whole lot more to produce and considering that these funds are coming from my back pocket; I’m pacing myself. But most definitely, way before 2014 runs out.
Did you miss it while it was off?
Initially, I didn’t have time to miss it. I was working 12 hours a day, sometimes 20 scenes a day. There wasn’t the time or energy to think of anything else let alone doing it. But as the years went by, I began to miss it – the people I met in the course of producing the show, discovering new talents, tracking trends, creating a platform for young people to showcase themselves. Plus I’m wired differently. I need some sort of control over some, if not all, aspects of my career. I want to be able to cherry-pick the projects that I am involved in, not necessarily for the money (although that is very important), but foremost because it is by choice. Being a producer gives me that control.
What new things does Oge have on offer?
It is the same show, just a different format and higher production value. African fashion and trends will still be our staple, but we will deviate from time to time and lend the platform to any inspiring individual in any field. As our new pay-off states, we’re telling the African narrative through fashion and style.
You have done everything from acting to broadcasting, writing to producing, public speaking to designing and beyond. What aren’t you good at?
Hehehe… When I find out I will share! Seriously speaking, though, all the things you mentioned are found under one umbrella: communication. That is my forte; this is where my talent lies. I’m sure rocket science will totally defeat me.
Marriage obviously has not slowed you down?
Nope, not at all. Is it supposed to?
What one question are you tired of answering?
How did you meet your husband?