Reworking a easy story, private expertise, or occasion right into a fascinating TV drama or theatre manufacturing requires a particular ability set. Acclaimed actor, author, director, and instructor Kwezi Kaganda Ruhinda joins Flavia Tumusiime on MultiChoice’s Residence of Our Stars to reveal the inventive course of behind crafting unforgettable characters and bringing them to life on stage and display.
In 1989, the humanities business was nonetheless in its infancy, and keenness, not revenue, drove its pioneers. Kwezi Kaganda Ruhinda was among the many first to hitch the Ebonies and Drama Wing, the place he honed his craft in each appearing and musicals, laying the muse for his future within the performing arts.
Nevertheless, the cruel realities of the business quickly set in. “I left the Ebonies in 1992 because of the challenges of creating a residing as an actor,” Kwezi remembers. “Fame didn’t translate to monetary stability, so I switched to educating moderately than wrestle.”
This choice led him to Namasagali School, the place he had as soon as been a pupil. “The unconventional educating strategies, based mostly on expertise moderately than conventional curriculum, fascinated me,” he reminisces.
“When my appearing profession stalled, I returned to Namasagali as a instructor, because of an invite from a former college lecturer to direct and produce performs for his or her annual manufacturing. This finally blossomed right into a everlasting function.”
Kwezi’s ardour for appearing by no means light, and he finally discovered his manner again to the stage. “At the same time as a instructor, I couldn’t resist the attract of performing,” he remembers. “Throughout faculty productions, I might be part of the scholars on stage.”
Additionally Learn: Sanyu – The Drama series whose wave Ugandans will continue to resonate with
Kwezi sheds gentle on the distinct variations between appearing on TV and theatre. “The stage calls for specialised coaching, whereas on-screen appearing requires a pure, refined method to accommodate the digicam’s intimate close-ups,” he explains.
“In theatre, it’s essential exaggerate gestures and expressions, however timing is essential. Personally, I thrive on the fun of dwell theatre, the place viewers suggestions is instantaneous and electrifying. In distinction, appearing for cameras can really feel isolating, as you don’t obtain fast suggestions in your efficiency,” he enlightens.
Kwezi shares his insights on figuring out actor expertise: “Expertise is self-evident; you possibly can spot a gifted actor from the beginning. Uganda boasts an abundance of expertise, however alternative is scarce.” Nevertheless, he notes that self-discipline and coaching are additionally important, and infrequently missing.
“That’s why a lot of my era succeeded – we acted pushed by ardour, not revenue. Nearly all of immediately’s younger stars prioritize monetary achieve over creative dedication. They wouldn’t have made the reduce if they’d debuted in our period.”
Kwezi has discovered a brand new inventive house with Enjoyable Manufacturing facility, a comedy group that shares his ardour for laughter. “Our widespread floor is comedy, and that’s what introduced me to Enjoyable Manufacturing facility,’ he notes.
Whereas it’s uncommon to see gifted people come collectively and succeed, Kwezi attributes Enjoyable Manufacturing facility’s concord to their sturdy bond. “We’re a household, and that’s what retains us united. We’re clear and open with one another, which helps us work by our variations and keep collectively.”
As a mentor, Kwezi has nurtured many actors, a few of whom he now shares the stage with at Enjoyable Manufacturing facility. He beams with delight when talking about their accomplishments. “It’s extremely fulfilling to see my former college students thrive, particularly once they’re excelling alongside me. It brings me immense pleasure and satisfaction to see them develop and flourish in the identical surroundings.”
The movie business has undergone a big transformation for the reason that 80s, and Kwezi is actively contributing to the African narrative by penning the screenplay for Pearl Magic Prime’s Sanyu. Kwezi shares his thought course of behind crafting such a drama, emphasizing the significance of delivering a compelling story to the viewers.
“You owe your viewers a worthy story.” Kwezi focuses on telling genuine, relatable Ugandan tales drawn from real-life experiences, aiming to create content material that resonates with audiences.
He shares his method to writing an enormous present like Sanyu. “Expertise helps you craft higher tales. We develop character bibles, plot their journeys, and description their achievements and challenges. This ensures consistency and helps construct characters that match the present.”
Regardless of feeling unfulfilled because of restricted alternatives in his early days, Kwezi would nonetheless select the humanities business once more. He believes, “many gifted folks lack ardour, doing issues just for cash. Nevertheless, with platforms like the MultiChoice Expertise Manufacturing facility, there may be an alternative for younger expertise to develop their abilities and keenness.”
“Lively expertise alternatively has a house on MultiChoice’s Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic Prime,” he concludes.
Don’t miss the sundown episodes of Sanyu, a fascinating story expertly woven by Kwezi, on Pearl Magic Prime (DStv 148 and GOtv 303). In an thrilling transfer, the present is now accessible to a wider viewers, ranging from DStv Entry and GOtv Plus clients. Atone for earlier seasons on Pearl Magic and be part of the mesmerizing storytelling that has captivated viewers!
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