So I took a break.

Yes and I needed it. Just to clear my mind of all the self doubt that moved in after not being successful at that audition. Although looking back, it was stupid of me to allow one unsuccessful audition to question my career aspirations. After all, it is part of the game. Besides going to an audition whilst your ill is probably not the wisest thing to do. It's just that I wanted to get unto the programme so as to guide and prepare me for my drama school application.

We just cannot be close minded about things, just because one door was shut does not mean another will not open. Must not be rigid, imitate the wind instead and seek all ways to reach your destination.

So guys you'll be glad to know I am back on track. Looking at audition speeches again, RADA is a constant feature on my browser, it's even bookmarked and I am yet to discover how to make it my homepage. You know, a little self advertising. hehehehe!

Also, the calls from the theatre to take part in projects, working with directors, workshops here and there. That reminds me, it seems that my not getting unto the programme was for good as I was later offered a part in a project that was paid. Which for me was very good news as I did NEED the money very much then.

So it all worked out.

Still on my way. Still taking Stan's advice and keeping close to Shakeaspeare! Still running with the dream.

Now I must go back to reading a novel for my African Literature class tomorrow. I've got a 9'o'clock lecture. Do feel for me!!!


x.....X.....x



Be Yourself, everyone else is taken.
- Oscar Wilde


Photography by Gabriela Camerotti

* Stanislavsky (the esteemed theatre director and theorist) and I have become familiar (via his book), so I call him Stan for short. He's a very honest man. At least in his theory.

Memoirs of an actress; after an audition

Today's audition really left me feeling...well uneasy. It just went so quick! It was like get in there do a few brain games and then straight into the dung. So I was partnered with this lovely girl, who was Godsent- she heard all the instructions I managed not to hear. We played two friends (or at least I think they were, I did not have enough time to figure out the detail of their friendship). I liked the writing- quite natural and as an actor you pray for something like that and after a few minutes read through, I felt somewhat comfortable to perform it to the judges and the other candidates- my competitors that is. And I say somewhat comfortable since I am still recovering from the fever that had bed ridden just under 48 hours ago, even my voice was just finding its way back to me thanks to a self medication of hot water as prescribed to me by a friend.

So anyways, when the time came to showcase, I did what is becoming a habit- I volunteered to go first. I've learnt that it shows enthusiasm and fearlessness. But of course it is always good to be ready before you do so. When we got up there we had to state our names and also explain why we wanted to take part in the project, I told them what you know already and then it was show time.

I felt kinda nervous, muffled my words a bit at first...gosh even thinking of it now is really displeasing. I felt it was kinda dead and uninspired, not so much my peformance but instead the dialogue between the two characters. So I guess it was my performance then, lol. I had decided upon an objective but I'm not sure I played it strong enough. Needless to say, I sat down thinking 'WHAT THE HECK DID I JUST DO?!!!!'.

And I had to remain in that state of mind through the other performances since I so eagerly went up first (I'm not discounting the act). But I must say some of the actors were really good! I even managed to laugh. However, at the back of my mind I was like damn, maybe I should have done it this way or that. 'Well whatever', I even eventually thought to myself. It's over anyways.

The hour went so quick and nope, no chance to revive myself. But I still had enough grace to pay compliments to those actors I was impressed by, so you can imagine how shocked I was when this girl told me my performance made her nervous???!!!! She thought I was really good! Then came a few others from some other actors. I couldn't believe it. Perhaps they were messing with me. I even looked for clues from the Judges' faces- nothing, nada!

So anyways, I'll find out by Monday latest whether I was succesful or not.

But I have faith. I have faith.

Its true...i ACT!

I've pretty much done it all my life, but never really took it seriously cus I did not think it was anything more than a hobby. Even through an Economics degree I've been acting both outside and inside uni. Professionally, I've done 2 shows at the Arcola theatre and I just finished Uncle Vanya- a Chekhov classic last friday. It got good reviews and people could not believe I had only recently began acting seriously this year. It is true. Up until earlier this year I had gone through not knowing whether acting was for me, then accepting it was for the now to making up my mind to actually pursue it as a career. Yes, it was more of an acceptance. I have not looked back since. So the plan is to extend my years in education for another 3 years on the completion of my degree. Gosh! I'll be 24 by the time I come out, but I've checked I'll still be considered young. And besides I am going to be on of the best actresses to have ever lived (remember that I said this). I also hope to make some films along the way (I was always going to do this, I have some screen plays that have been gnawing at me for a long time). Basically I have accepted me. I have accepted that I am not to become an Investment Banker working 6am till 11.30 at night but rather traveling away from the family for 3 months and shooting scenes at 3 am because the Director said so. Whatever! I am who I am. I am me. Kemi David. The soon to be acclaimed actress. I've already impressed the few that have seen me. I'm aiming world wide. But I should let you know that it is not merely for the accolades and praise but it is also because I want to feel what another human being feels, their fears, their hopes, their passions -whether hate or love. Acting is essentially compassion. Acting is at its base very unselfish. I want to tell another's story. I say let the celebrities hug the headlines and the humain ordinaire get their own audience on stage or on screen. I want to be YOUR voice. But I am not to be your MP but an ACTOR.