Sue Wanjiru is a Kenyan actress who studied accounting for want of acting courses in her home country. She has since remedied that by getting it wherever she finds it the world over. In this interview with Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, she talks about life as an actress.
Please tell us a bit about how you started your career in acting?
It’s kind of a funny story. I started at a very young age. My grandfather loved to be entertained and would therefore insist I dance for him and recite poems at the age of six in front of my relatives. He would then get so excited and buy crates of beer for the adults and a crate of soda for the kids. Professionally, I started in 2010 after leaving the corporate world.
Your twitter handle says you are also a writer and talent developer; which of the three do you enjoy most?
Acting, most definitely without question. It makes me feel satisfied and irrationally happy. The talent development is my way of giving back to society by training young kids in the art of acting through my organisation, Lokhem Kids Entertainment Limited. Writing is an interest that has developed overtime as I continue to learn different aspects of film.
You were at the Durban Talents in South Africa last year and at the recent Berlinale Talents in Berlin, Germany; how different were the two experiences?
They were both out-of-this-world experiences. The level of networking and fun was an experience I cannot even explain. Durban Talents was the first, and it was exciting to meet different filmmakers from other countries in Africa. Berlinale Talents was amazing; meeting people from the rest of the world was so much fun and not to mention the acting studio workshops with experts from developed industries. It’s one of those experiences that you would do over and over again given the chance.
What are some of your best moments in your professional life?
Being in front of the camera telling a story, most definitely. Also, the theatrical release of my first feature film where I got to meet different types of audiences.
If you could advise your 18-year-old-self today, what would you tell her, especially about choosing a career or taking it to the next level?
Choose what you love; it helps when you start early. It really does not matter if your country offers an acting course or not, other countries do.
Like everyone else, you must have faced some challenges in your career at a point in time; what has been the most valuable advice you’ve ever gotten when you were facing such a challenge?
“Never give up, Sue – it’s very painful to lay a foundation; but once done, it keeps getting better” from a treasured friend.
How would you say your life experience has made you the person you are today?
I am glad of where I was born. Growing up in a loving family as well as life lessons and good education have made me stronger. I believe God gifted me with strong women in my life; my mum and late glam’ma (grandmother) who taught me hard work and resilience, and following through with goals have made me into the strong God-fearing woman I am today. When I reflect on my past, it makes me keep going.
Has acting always been your first love – what you originally set out to do – or it happened along the line?
Yes! It was my first love. I pursued my second love, accounting, because there were no acting courses in Kenya. I however have no regrets because the knowledge acquired is invaluable.
Would you describe yourself as a fun-loving person?
I’m a fun-loving and introverted person, which is funny as I have played many extroverted characters.
Is that why you are into acting?
Acting, for me, is a calling, a purpose; I either do it or do it.
How has your previous employment experience aided your current job as an actress?
I believe in professionalism, and being in the corporate world, I learnt the general work etiquette which aids in my thinking and work ethic.
What film or television project are you currently working on?
A friend and I are currently working on pre-production of a short film I wrote. I am also cast in a web series that is being currently shot (by someone I met through a friend).
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?
As an actress, I have come to accept that my body is a tool, an instrument used to tell stories. It is therefore important to let the character take over without judging it.
Do you also act on a raw stage?
This was how I started my work professionally. I auditioned and got lead roles in four plays. After I auditioned for film and got lead in my debut as a cinema actress, I fell in love and haven’t looked back yet. I hope to act in stage plays again as there is an adrenaline rush and growth that you cannot describe as an actor.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Kenya is not yet there as a film industry. So I’m constantly making things happen, shooting monologues, etc. So, life is what I make it. Surrounding myself with eagles (friends and family) helps me, as they continuously push me to be positive and to work.
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
Is there one? I feel life is what you make it. How you treat yourself is how others will treat you, regardless.
How would you say that mentorship has made a difference in your professional and personal life?
Professionally, my mentor is in the corporate world; she keeps me on my toes. I would like a mentor in film, but have not found one yet. Having someone to talk to, especially about money, savings, excellence in work, etc. is key in our industry. You need a nudge every now and then, as it is easy to give up.
Which female leader do you admire and why?
Margaret Kenyatta – Kenya’s first lady; she not only says but follows with a plan and action.
Has your path crossed with that of Lupita N’yongo?
Not yet! Can you introduce us? I would love to meet her. If you do that for me, I would love you forever.
Is filmmaking something you would like to engage in (produce and even direct films) as time goes on?
Yes, production, I am kind of doing it on small scale with the short films I write. Well, let us see what God has in store for the future.
