TERRY Pheto couldn’t have asked for a better introduction than Tsotsi. Spotted by casting director Moonyeenn Lee, this Soweto actress has been blessed with offers in TV (Justice for All, Zone 14, Jacob’s Cross) and film (Catch a Fire, Goodbye Bafana, Mafrika, How To Steal 2 Million, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom). In fact, she made history by bagging an ongoing part in the long-running international soap, The Bold and the Beautiful.
Right now, she is the talk of the town as the new Dudu Bogatsu (replacing Bonnie Mbuli) in the third season of Mzansi Magic’s Rockville. Oh, and she will soon be making her debut as a movie producer, too.
Before chatting about her current projects, Tonight asked her where things stand with her The Bold and the Beautiful commitment.
She says: “It’s a recurring role. Whenever there is an opportunity for me, I can be back on set. Of course, it is only if it makes sense for the storyline.”
Getting international (aka Hollywood) mileage is certainly an accomplishment for an actor. As for whether it has also helped her network with the right people, she reveals: “There’s a lot of pressure. But good pressure. It was an amazing experience. There is no better place than in Hollywood (to get that experience). I think just working in a different country and in one of the biggest shows you grew up watching. It was so surreal. Also, I had never done a soapie before that. I have been spoilt with film, where you have a day to prep. With every production, I try to establish relationships and organic friendships.”
But this break didn’t see her sever ties with South Africa. If anything, it strengthened them: “I wasn’t really looking to move. I did not have an agent (there) either. I do have relationships that I have established over the years, since Tsotsi actually. So some of the offers I got weren’t just because I was on Bold. Some where from old acquaintances. I still get scripts.”
And while she is weighing her options for her future, she is also living in the present and making the most of her opportunities here at home.
Pheto reveals: “It’s a tough one. You have to be ready for that kind of move, you have to give it your all and you have to be there. It’s an exciting position to be in. I’m happy to travel and go as far as I can in chasing my dream – to make stories that people enjoy across borders and races and to produce stories that make myself, my country and, hopefully, my continent proud.”
This brings us to Ayanda.
She offers: “I’m producing it. The movie was previously titled Ayanda and the Mechanic. It is a Pan-African story. We have a South African lead with a Nigerian love interest. It is directed by Sara Blecher and should come out later this year.”
As for replacing Mbuli as Dudu, the wife of kingpin JB (played by executive producer Shona Ferguson), she shares: “I got a call from Connie and Shona late last year. There were in a situation where they couldn’t get the actress to come back because she was busy on another project. I have always been a fan of the show and wanted to work with them. At the time, I was available. And, to be honest, the actress in me was starting to get a bit restless. Besides, it was such a great and challenging role, too.”
While this is an intricately woven character, the challenge wasn’t simply to execute the role with finesse, but also to take over from the actress who previously embodied it.
Pheto points out: “It’s one of those things I never thought I would do. When I read the script, I realised Dudu was a different person from the one she was in season one and two. There will always be comparison. But I didn’t want to copy the style and method. I wanted to offer something different – my interpretation.”
Aware that there could be some fan backlash, the actress prefers to take it in her stride: “You want loyal fans, but also an educated audience. This is work, we are telling stories. Sometimes characters change. Each actor is different.”
Now Dudu has grown accustomed to her lavish lifestyle. Sadly, she has gone from Kim Kardashian-rich to Courtney Love-broke.
On this difficult transition for her character, Pheto shares: “She has to go to those darker places and dig deep. You will be surprised what she is capable of. She has that survival instinct. I think viewers can expect to be shocked by her behaviour. She has always been materialistic, when that’s removed, what do you become? What are you willing to do to hold on? Throughout this journey, we will be shocked a lot, cry with her, cry for her and, more than anything, learn from her.”
With Dudu’s family ties fractured there is much drama in the pipeline before a reunion is on the cards.
By the way, Pheto has also made a departure into the art house genre with a role she bagged with DV8 Films. But mum’s the word for now.
Talk about being a busy bee!!!
• Rockville 3 airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on Sundays at 8pm.