She might not be as popular as the Mercy Johnsons and Rita
Dominics of Nollywood, but one thing is sure; her incredible talent is
evident in the movies she has starred in. Adesua Etomi is definitely
poised to make her mark as an actress who will be remembered for years
to come.
As someone who is primarily known for her stage performances, you recently made the move to full-blown films. Why?
An actor is an actor, be it on stage or in film. Think of actors as vessels and these platforms as our media. As for making ‘the move’ I still pursue both media actively. If I’m contacted for a project which intrigues me, I’ll do it, be it on stage, in the studio or on set. I love to act and when you love something you’ll jump at it, regardless of whatever package it is wrapped in.
Would you say Knocking on Heaven’s Door was the movie that brought you to limelight, seeing that you played a lead role in this movie?
Knocking on Heaven’s Door was my first film project and I also landed the lead role. It literarily introduced me to Nollywood, so I’m very grateful to everyone who had a hand in making that happen, especially Emem Isong, Desmond Elliot and the Royal Arts Academy team. There have been several other projects following that, including Lowladee’s Brave and, more recently, Gidi Up. Before my foray into film, I’d had a very good run on stage with plays like London Life, Lagos Living, Band Aid and Saro. All of these projects added a bit of light to the limelight, but, yes, Knocking On Heaven’s Door did bring an extra oomph.
Sometimes, actors have to go to extreme lengths to prepare for certain roles. Some have to shave their hair, while others have to lose or gain weight to suit a particular role. Some even do this to the detriment of their health. To what extent would you be willing to go for a role and what type of roles will you turn down?
It is not acting, unless you’ve completely immersed yourself in the character. Thankfully, there are very realistic prosthetics to help sell the story, so shaving your hair is not as common place anymore. That said, some method actors like Daniel Day-Lewis have been known to live their characters’ lives off and on screen for the duration of that project. Everyone has limits, but I will do everything I can to stay true to the role. I’m not afraid to lose myself every time, as long as it helps the ‘believability’ of my character.
It is well known that Nollywood is listed amongst the three biggest movie industries in the world. For some of its critics, the tag means very little, because we are not producing movies of ‘international standard’. What is your take on this?
I think we put a lot of pressure on Nollywood, sometimes unfairly so. We also forget that for every 10 films you consider sub-standard, we have one gem. In time, these gems will be all we see. Several Nigerian film makers have made quality films over the past four to five years which have given international films a run for their money. If you check the box office figures, you will see that Nollywood films are doing very well. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and I’m confident that, as more people get the right training, the standards of film making will continue to improve.
Your ‘hilarious’ performance in the stage performance of London Life, Lagos Living definitely gained you a lot of positive reviews from film and theatre experts alike. How did it happen?
London Life, Lagos Living happened simply because of the director Kenneth Uphopho. I had previously worked with him in two plays (The Anatomy of a Woman and Shattered). He called and asked me to come on board. The play showed at the Taruwa Festival and it was a wonderful experience. I’m thankful for the positive reviews.
Which filmmaker’s work do you admire the most?
Wow. One person? There are so many film makers I’m in awe of. I cannot possibly arrive at one name. I spend my days acting in films or watching films and my wish-list of producers and directors include, at least, a dozen Nigerians and several more from Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. If I get the chance to be in films made by, at least 80 per cent of these people, I’d be a very happy camper.
Which actor/actress would you like to work with (both internationally and locally)?
Internationally, I absolutely love Meryl Streep, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo Dicaprio, Denzel Washington and Chris Hemsworth. As for Nollywood, I would really like to work with Rita Dominic, Kalu Ikeagwu, RMD, amongst others. There are so many talented actors over here and working with anyone of them will be an honour.
Is Adesua in a relationship or, better yet, will the wedding bells ring soon?
Living is about relationships. We are in relationships with everyone we interact with regularly. Mischief aside, I share so much of my life with the rest of the world and my personal business is probably the only thing I can hold onto. So this particular question, in the spirit that it was asked, will be left unanswered.
What are some of the things you learnt during your sojourn abroad that you feel Nigerians will benefit from?
I wasn’t exactly sojourning while I was abroad. I relocated and was privileged to get an education, preparing myself and training to be good at my job. I graduated with national diplomas in the Performing, Musical & Physical Theatre, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Drama and Performance. I’m not sure I’m in a position to teach anyone right now but, given the chance, I’d be happy to pass on whatever knowledge I do have.
The year 2015 is an one in which elections will take place. What piece of advice do you have for both the electorate and politicians?
Whatever happens and whoever wins or loses, I’d implore that we do not resort to any form of violence. Most importantly, if you haven’t gotten your PVC, please take out the time to get it. We cannot make a difference if we do not exercise our right to vote. For the politicians, please keep your promises to the electorate.
What are your plans for the future and what should fans expect from you?
I’ve just wrapped-up my first shoot of the year, produced by Uduak Isong Oguamanam and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. I start another in a week or so and the next in the second week of February. There is also a television series which I started shooting last year and is set to air sometime around April. It is called Las Gidi Cops. Besides that, there is talk of a third season of Gidi Up, so that is also in the works. I’m doing more Film and TV projects this year in addition to those on stage. This year, you will be seeing a lot more of me on screen and on stage.
Final words?
I’m very grateful to everyone who has watched anything I’ve been in and been supportive of my career, so far. I’m also thankful to the producers, directors and everyone in the film-making community who have taken chances with me. I will do my best to repay the faith shown in me. God bless you all.
Coke or Fanta?
I like Fanta, absolutely. [I have] no issues with coke, but, gun to my head, Fanta is always going to win.
What essential items do you need on set?
Hmmm. I guess I’ll say I need the script, because you need to be sure you have your lines; otherwise an actor simply needs to show up on set and everything you need for that scene will be handed to you.
Have you any interest in another career or, perhaps, other aspects of entertainment or the film industry?
I have been blessed with a decent singing voice. I don’t know for certain if this is something I’ll actively pursue yet. We’ll see.
How would you define your style?
My style would depend on the occasion or the event. However, I do like to be comfortable, so this has a huge impact on anything I choose to wear.
Your three favourite movies of all time?
That’s a difficult one, but these three come to mind; Coming To America, Slumdog Millionaire and Blood Diamond.
What is your ultimate goal as an actress?
I’m thankful to be in a position where I get to do what I love every day of my life. My long-term goal is to be a critically acclaimed and commercially successful actor.
Who is Adesua Etomi?
Adesua is the third of three siblings and the daughter of an amazing woman. Professionally, she is an actor and, personally, she is a free spirit and in love with the arts.
As someone who is primarily known for her stage performances, you recently made the move to full-blown films. Why?
An actor is an actor, be it on stage or in film. Think of actors as vessels and these platforms as our media. As for making ‘the move’ I still pursue both media actively. If I’m contacted for a project which intrigues me, I’ll do it, be it on stage, in the studio or on set. I love to act and when you love something you’ll jump at it, regardless of whatever package it is wrapped in.
Would you say Knocking on Heaven’s Door was the movie that brought you to limelight, seeing that you played a lead role in this movie?
Knocking on Heaven’s Door was my first film project and I also landed the lead role. It literarily introduced me to Nollywood, so I’m very grateful to everyone who had a hand in making that happen, especially Emem Isong, Desmond Elliot and the Royal Arts Academy team. There have been several other projects following that, including Lowladee’s Brave and, more recently, Gidi Up. Before my foray into film, I’d had a very good run on stage with plays like London Life, Lagos Living, Band Aid and Saro. All of these projects added a bit of light to the limelight, but, yes, Knocking On Heaven’s Door did bring an extra oomph.
Sometimes, actors have to go to extreme lengths to prepare for certain roles. Some have to shave their hair, while others have to lose or gain weight to suit a particular role. Some even do this to the detriment of their health. To what extent would you be willing to go for a role and what type of roles will you turn down?
It is not acting, unless you’ve completely immersed yourself in the character. Thankfully, there are very realistic prosthetics to help sell the story, so shaving your hair is not as common place anymore. That said, some method actors like Daniel Day-Lewis have been known to live their characters’ lives off and on screen for the duration of that project. Everyone has limits, but I will do everything I can to stay true to the role. I’m not afraid to lose myself every time, as long as it helps the ‘believability’ of my character.
It is well known that Nollywood is listed amongst the three biggest movie industries in the world. For some of its critics, the tag means very little, because we are not producing movies of ‘international standard’. What is your take on this?
I think we put a lot of pressure on Nollywood, sometimes unfairly so. We also forget that for every 10 films you consider sub-standard, we have one gem. In time, these gems will be all we see. Several Nigerian film makers have made quality films over the past four to five years which have given international films a run for their money. If you check the box office figures, you will see that Nollywood films are doing very well. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and I’m confident that, as more people get the right training, the standards of film making will continue to improve.
Your ‘hilarious’ performance in the stage performance of London Life, Lagos Living definitely gained you a lot of positive reviews from film and theatre experts alike. How did it happen?
London Life, Lagos Living happened simply because of the director Kenneth Uphopho. I had previously worked with him in two plays (The Anatomy of a Woman and Shattered). He called and asked me to come on board. The play showed at the Taruwa Festival and it was a wonderful experience. I’m thankful for the positive reviews.
Which filmmaker’s work do you admire the most?
Wow. One person? There are so many film makers I’m in awe of. I cannot possibly arrive at one name. I spend my days acting in films or watching films and my wish-list of producers and directors include, at least, a dozen Nigerians and several more from Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. If I get the chance to be in films made by, at least 80 per cent of these people, I’d be a very happy camper.
Which actor/actress would you like to work with (both internationally and locally)?
Internationally, I absolutely love Meryl Streep, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo Dicaprio, Denzel Washington and Chris Hemsworth. As for Nollywood, I would really like to work with Rita Dominic, Kalu Ikeagwu, RMD, amongst others. There are so many talented actors over here and working with anyone of them will be an honour.
Is Adesua in a relationship or, better yet, will the wedding bells ring soon?
Living is about relationships. We are in relationships with everyone we interact with regularly. Mischief aside, I share so much of my life with the rest of the world and my personal business is probably the only thing I can hold onto. So this particular question, in the spirit that it was asked, will be left unanswered.
What are some of the things you learnt during your sojourn abroad that you feel Nigerians will benefit from?
I wasn’t exactly sojourning while I was abroad. I relocated and was privileged to get an education, preparing myself and training to be good at my job. I graduated with national diplomas in the Performing, Musical & Physical Theatre, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Drama and Performance. I’m not sure I’m in a position to teach anyone right now but, given the chance, I’d be happy to pass on whatever knowledge I do have.
The year 2015 is an one in which elections will take place. What piece of advice do you have for both the electorate and politicians?
Whatever happens and whoever wins or loses, I’d implore that we do not resort to any form of violence. Most importantly, if you haven’t gotten your PVC, please take out the time to get it. We cannot make a difference if we do not exercise our right to vote. For the politicians, please keep your promises to the electorate.
What are your plans for the future and what should fans expect from you?
I’ve just wrapped-up my first shoot of the year, produced by Uduak Isong Oguamanam and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan. I start another in a week or so and the next in the second week of February. There is also a television series which I started shooting last year and is set to air sometime around April. It is called Las Gidi Cops. Besides that, there is talk of a third season of Gidi Up, so that is also in the works. I’m doing more Film and TV projects this year in addition to those on stage. This year, you will be seeing a lot more of me on screen and on stage.
Final words?
I’m very grateful to everyone who has watched anything I’ve been in and been supportive of my career, so far. I’m also thankful to the producers, directors and everyone in the film-making community who have taken chances with me. I will do my best to repay the faith shown in me. God bless you all.
Coke or Fanta?
I like Fanta, absolutely. [I have] no issues with coke, but, gun to my head, Fanta is always going to win.
What essential items do you need on set?
Hmmm. I guess I’ll say I need the script, because you need to be sure you have your lines; otherwise an actor simply needs to show up on set and everything you need for that scene will be handed to you.
Have you any interest in another career or, perhaps, other aspects of entertainment or the film industry?
I have been blessed with a decent singing voice. I don’t know for certain if this is something I’ll actively pursue yet. We’ll see.
How would you define your style?
My style would depend on the occasion or the event. However, I do like to be comfortable, so this has a huge impact on anything I choose to wear.
Your three favourite movies of all time?
That’s a difficult one, but these three come to mind; Coming To America, Slumdog Millionaire and Blood Diamond.
What is your ultimate goal as an actress?
I’m thankful to be in a position where I get to do what I love every day of my life. My long-term goal is to be a critically acclaimed and commercially successful actor.
Who is Adesua Etomi?
Adesua is the third of three siblings and the daughter of an amazing woman. Professionally, she is an actor and, personally, she is a free spirit and in love with the arts.
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