Chisom Agoawuike is an actress. She has worked on several projects including starring as the lead actress Halita in the self-titled M-Net hit TV series ‘Halita’.
In this interview with Daily Trust YOUTHVILLE the young actress spoke on how she clinched the role among other issues.
One of your most notable works – is your role as Halita in the TV series ‘Halita’, how did you come to play the role?
I came to play the role by attending the audition that took place in Abuja. After scaling through the first round, I was given the character ‘Halita’ to read alongside others who were also called back. Weeks later, I got a call to confirm I got the role.
Tell us a little about your character as Halita in ‘Halita’ and how do you prepare before a shoot?
My character is a 19 year-old village girl forced to leave her family to work to get finance to take care of her mother’s failing health. Events turned as she realised she was deceived by the lady who promised her a job in Abuja and she ends up in the Zamani’s household as a help. She navigates her way through the opportunities and threats.
What does it take to be an actor?
Personally speaking, it takes genuine passion to be an Actor. It also takes patience, belief, hard work, confidence, strength amongst others to be a good actor.
What are the peculiar challenges of being a young actor?
Direction is one big challenge a young actor would face. There’s so much you would want to know, so many questions you would ask and there are few answers.
A young actor would face the challenge of guidance as there are no established institutions to grant or teach procedures, clues on how to begin the journey, what to expect, etc.
Tell us about some of your works and your journey into acting?
I have featured in short and feature length films like; ‘The treasure’, ‘Simi’, ‘Journey of the S’. I also did a stage play where I played the role of Elizabeth Tayanta in the award winning Ola Rotimi’s ‘our husband has gone mad again’ which was a phenomenal experience.
My journey into Acting has been like a roller coaster. Filled with highs and lows and embracing the unknown. Everything has been worth it because it’s my passion, my life and I would embrace whatever that comes.
Nigeria has few or no soaps running for months/years and airing on almost daily basis, why is that?
That has changed. Currently there are loads of daily shows airing consistently for months or years on Africa magic like ‘Halita’, ‘Tinsel’, ‘Battle-ground’, ‘Ajoche’, ‘Brethren’, ‘Unbroken’, ‘Jemeji’, ‘The Johnson’s’, ‘My Flatmates’,
Halita has a good followership why do you think that is?
Looking back, no one envisaged the reception ‘Halita’ would have and it’s beautiful to see it has good follower-ship. I think that is because it is a beautifully written and told story, very organic and compelling; all thanks to the producers, writers, cast, crew, everyone who made it possible.
What next after, Halita?
I would go on to do other projects. Feature in good movies and tell good stories.
A short film you acted in recently won an award- tell us about it?
Oh yes. It’s called ‘Simi’. It’s based on a true event, A Daddy’s Story told through Simi – the daughter- eyes. It was shot in Jos.
