Actors may be back on set – but there’s a new normal they have to adjust to.
Popular cast members from Isibaya, Asavela Mngqithi and Pallance Dladla, explain how they have had to adjust to the new regulations as a result of COVID-19.
Mngqithi plays the role of Ntwenthle Ndlovu, while Dladla plays her lover interest Jabulani Zungu on the Mzansi Magic soapie.
“We were all briefed on the safety and health regulations around working on sets during the lockdown, so the briefings and set safety protocols eased my concerns and made me feel safe and confident to go back to work” said Mngqithi.
Mngqithi said that the friendships built on set have had to be revisited in order to avoid potential contraction of this disease.
“We build friendships on a shoot and so not being able to hug someone hello is new learning (sic), we all constantly remind each other to keep the 1,5 meter distance, we rehearse all of our scenes with masks on,” she said.
In the upcoming episodes, the show tackles various issues around the COVID-19 pandemic and for Mngqithi, her character is pregnant and in love.
“Ntwenthle is a cautious new mother who is aware that any contact with other characters might put her and her unborn baby at risk, she makes sure that everyone around her sanitizes their hands and no physical contact whatsoever, even with Jabu her lover” she explained.
“My story is relevant to a lot of pregnant women during these trying time, they will relate with the challenges that my character goes through, from health risks to a lot of uncertainties around what the impact might be for ones unborn child, to where to give birth, etc,“ said Mngqithi.
Lucky Mangela from Mzansi Magic said it has not been confirmed when the show will air.
For Dladla, who is back in the country after being stuck in the United States at the beginning of the lockdown period confirmed he was back on set.
He explained that there were challenges in trying to portray certain actions such as intimate touches or fighting without being in close proximity.
“Well there’s two roles, the first role is of a responsible professional in the industry, conscious of the fact that safety measures are put in place for my own safety and for the safety of others at the workplace especially the older generation who are more at risk to contract the virus. The second role as an actor playing a character is to find creative ways with the directors and the writers to inform the public with what’s happening right now, my plan is to speak truth to the character and make my audience root for love. For Jabu and Enhle, love is not only shown in touching it is how you care for someone else,” he said.
