A fast rising Nigerian actress from the South-eastern part of Nigeria
has spoken on her journey in the entertainment world thus far as well as
her personal life.
Read Ijeoma Agu's interesting interview with the Punch below:
Background
I spent my childhood in Edo and Lagos states and it was a wonderful
time for me . I am the first of five children, and I used to sing ,
dance and act from an early age. Back then , we didn ’ t have a
television in our house, so my sisters and I had to entertain ourselves.
My dad was also artistically inclined , so he often allowed us to
express ourselves. I think that was the genesis of my career as an
actor.
Education
I studied Biochemistry at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, but I
had always known that I would end up in the creative industry. I also
attended the Royal Arts Academy, Lagos.
First role
My first role was in a TV series produced by Fidelis Duker titled
Eldorado . Over the years , I have featured in several other movies and
TV productions including Hood Rush , The Choice of Aina, Finding Diamond
Jo , Oko Ashewo, From Within , Misfit, David ’s Fall , About to Wed and
Flower Girl to name a few. Acting is a gift that is freely given by God
; it is not something that you struggle for . I'm also constantly
observing people, my environment and life in general as an artiste
because I could be called upon at any time to replicate the behaviours
or mannerisms of any of those people. I have never played any
challenging role and I can work with anybody though I cannot stand
people who do not have passion for the job.
Role models
I admire some talented and hard-working actresses such as Genevieve
Nnaji, Joke Silva, Liz Benson , Meryl Streep and Edith Jane Azu. I love
them because they have managed to remain at the top of their career by
being consistent, dynamic and professional.
Personal productions
The production outfit, House 5 Productions, which I run with my
husband, Daniel Emeka Oriahi, has produced about 10 movies including
Beyond Blood, Jimi Bendel, among others. To get funding to produce those
movies, I wrote proposals and submitted them to clients and investors.
Challenges
One of the major challenges I face is accessing funds. Getting the
proper facilities to support production could also be a Herculean task
as there are no basic infrastructure like electricity, proper sets, and
even crews.
Sacrifices
I have had to do a lot of things to fit better into roles but I
wouldn’ t consider them as sacrifices. For the movie, Taxi Driver, I had
to cut my hair. I have also had to kiss people on set.
Recession
During recession, people have more need for entertainment. Funnily
enough, I shot more films last year than in the time of economic boom. I
don’ t know the mathematics or the reason behind it, but the recession
has not affected the movie industry.
Marriage
I first met my husband when I auditioned and was cast for one of
his movies . He also attended a one -man stage play which I acted in and
produced , after which he invited me for another movie role . We soon
discovered that we are both down-to -earth people and share the same
ideologies.
Motherhood
There is no way one can strike a balance between motherhood and
acting . One of them would definitely suffer from time to time. However,
I have been managing and I don’t think I’m doing badly. I take my
daughter on set with me , and now she even understands when the director
shouts ‘action’ and ‘cut.’ She has also acted in a movie with me .
Considering that my husband is also in the same industry , we are able
to make things work.
Scandals
There have been some scandals attached to my name over the years
but I don’ t care . My family members know the real me, so they are not
swayed by stories concocted about my person.
Nudity
I can accept a script that has some aspects of nudity if it is
tastefully done and is passing a message. Acting is make -believe and it
is not a reflection of who you really are.
Fame
Fame has not robbed me of anything. I still do whatever I want to without inhibitions.
Fashion
I know next to nothing about fashion, and I can wear anything
provided that it fits me. I don’ t have a beauty routine either; I just
like to be simple and classy.
Relaxation
When I want to relax , I watch movies at the cinemas or in my house.
0 Response to "Sultry Nollywood Actress, Ijeoma Agu Speaks on Acting N*de"
Post a Comment