Cape Town - Actor Khayalethu Anthony won a Naledi Best Newcomer award for his performance in Lara Foot’s acclaimed Solomon and Marion. He wrote and performs in the moving story of The Champion, which previews at the Baxter and runs to October 8.
How widely have you travelled?
I have been to Scotland, Canada, Washington DC and Wales.
I have not travelled in Africa yet but here at home I’ve been to Durban, Johannesburg and the Eastern Cape.
Where was your favourite holiday or time spent abroad?
Scotland. I was there during the Edinburgh Festival and it was fantastic. The vibe was electric. It’s quite funny seeing men wear skirts aka kilts, with pride. It shows that they have a proud heritage and that they are proud of their culture and their history. They also boast some of the world’s amazing castles.
Your worst experience on a holiday?
Canada – it’s cold as hell. I had no desire to go anywhere it was so cold – minus 20 degrees is not a walk in the park. The central heating is utterly deceptive because once you’re outdoors you realise the extent of the cold. Too cold for me.
Your funniest experience?
Also in Canada actually. I was there with the production of Waiting for the Barbarians. When I arrived at customs they wanted to send me back home because they thought that I intended to work in the country illegally. It was strangely funny and embarrassing at the same time.
What do you avoid during a holiday?
I most certainly avoid working. After all, I’m on holiday. I am a great tourist, I do and enjoy everything. In fact I get so excited that I can be a little loud with enthusiasm and gratitude.
Best meal abroad?
Not sure whether I should answer this… it’s American fries (hot chips). The fries in Washington DC – quite simply delicious, not oily at all.
Your favourite place to have sundowners on your travels?
Canadian beers are great. There was a wonderful pub near the Segal Theatre in Montreal where I was performing with a South African cast and we really enjoyed the beers.
What have you learnt from your travels?
Travel light. I have a tendency to lose things.
Ideal travelling companion?
Our touring stage manager, Elana Snyman. She’s like a mother and effortlessly takes care of everything. I reckon that’s the perfect way to travel.
Culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I am undoubtedly a culture vulture. I love to see and learn about all aspects of theatre when I travel. Once I visited a theatre in Washington DC with Lara Foot and in the foyer they had this fantastic bakery. I mean a bakery in the theatre foyer? The smell of bread and baked goodies wafting through the air – it is very welcoming, as you can imagine.
Greatest travel luxury?
My Asus Transformer tablet is the thing I can’t do without.
Holiday reading?
I make a concerted effort to educate myself while on holiday so I like to read theatre-related books. Learning more about my craft is inspiring.
Favourite drive?
I love the drive from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape, the landscape and countryside is spectacular.
Dream trip?
Las Vegas – from what I have heard it is exciting.
As a seasoned traveller and flyer can you share some tips?
Learn as much as you can about the country – the history, the culture and the politics of that country because at some point they are bound to ask you about yours, so it is polite to know something about theirs. This is a lesson that Dame Janet Suzman taught me and she was so right. It has held me in good stead everywhere that I have travelled.
Where next?
After the short run of The Champion at the Baxter, I leave for Birmingham and London to perform Solomon and Marion in those two cities. I am very excited.
Weekend Argus