Seasoned actress Katlego Danke is one of Mzansi’s favourite faces on television and film. She’s always brought us hard-hitting and unforgettable performances and she now brings to life a ground-breaking role in the telenovela hit Gomora.
Following her departure from Generations and her role as the infamous Dineo Mashaba, Katlego joined the popular soapie Isidingo in 2016 which ended in March 2019. Earlier this year she made a strong comeback and had viewers glued to their tv screens every day as she portrayed the role of Onthathile, a suburban trophy wife whose life has taken an unexpectedly tragic turn and now has to hustle with gangsters in the township of Gomora to make ends meet.
She chatted to us about little bit about herself and career thus far.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I grew up moving around a lot, so I wouldn't really say I grew up in any one place. I identify with a few places and that made me very open to new experiences. I am no stranger to change and every once in a while I yearn for it.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY LIFE
I am the eldest of five children and growing up was always a balance between being the responsible one while still a kid.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO PLAY SO MANY DIFFERENT ROLES?
Each story has its own storyline, world, pace and mood so the characters never feel the same.
YOU SEEM TO PORTRAY STRONG-WILLED WOMEN MOSTLY, WHY DO THINK THAT IS?
I am always asked to take these roles. Perhaps there’s something that the producers like every time I portray a strong character. But I also think that the development of the character is an organic process. More often than not I begin portraying characters that are soft and naive and then they find their strength like Dineo, Keketso and Thati.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE ROLE OF THATI IN GOMORA?
I enjoy working on a character that the audience can relate to and are vested in. I most enjoy working with a stellar cast where everyone is really amazing in bringing this story to life.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?
It’s amazing to be part of a new dawn of female leads in stories and scripts that don't portray women in stereotypical ways. I am proud of being involved in globally relevant stories and having people from all walks of life be able to appreciate the content we produce.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN HANDLING THE LOCKDOWN PERIOD?
We pretty much worked throughout the lockdown with the exception of level 5. I must admit level 5 lockdown was really tough mentally and emotionally. Considering the impact it had on employment and productivity in the country, it was tough on everyone. I was fortunate enough to be able to go back to work and that eased a lot of the discomfort around the new normal of having to deal with this global pandemic.
WHAT OTHER ACTING ROLES WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONQUER?
I would love to act a true female villain. Or a historical character.
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE, LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY?
I admire Viola Davis, Alfre Woodard and Regina King. I also admire Nthati Moshesh, Moshidi Motshekgwa and Sindi Dlathu. I think these women are powerful and amazing actors who bring a beautiful sense of complexity to their characters that is magical to watch.
WHAT’S YOUR DAILY MOTIVATION?
I love telling stories and the excitement of watching them come to life with all the different elements coming together – lighting, art, wardrobe, make-up, direction. I am motivated by reflecting society back on itself so that we can learn from our mistakes, be inspired by others and discover who else we can be.
TELL US SOMETHING FUN ABOUT YOU.
I sometimes eat my crisps dipped in yoghurt – something a very dear friend of mine introduced me to and I've never looked back. It sounds weird but it’s strangely delicious.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANY YOUNG ASPIRING ACTORS?
Nurture your craft. Learn as much as possible about it. Dedicate yourself to the discipline of the art and truly love what you do. Everything else will follow.
2020 IS ALMOST OVER, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2021?
I'm looking forward to working on some amazing projects, a storyteller's journey is never complete!
CATCHING UP WITH KATLEGO DANKE
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
October 26, 2020
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
October 26, 2020
Rating:
