Ruben Engel ramps up the tension in Skemergrond’s latest storyline
With a brand-new, suspenseful storyline gaining momentum in the beloved telenovela Skemergrond on kykNET&kie (DStv channel 145), the actor Ruben Engel’s character Tyler takes a dangerous turn into Christine’s (Devonecia Swartz) world and soon finds himself in real deep.
As the plot thickens, Tyler’s loyalties and boundaries are increasingly put to the test.
“He helps Christine carry out her plan involving Amber Louw (Talia Davis),” says Ruben.
Christine has enlisted Kirby Jansen (Chanté Grainger) to win Amber’s trust, and now that Amber is firmly in Christine’s clutches, the two are steadily isolating her from her family.
Still, Tyler’s true motives aren’t always easy to read. Ruben describes him as
“a good person who is willing to do the wrong things for the people he loves”. This moral complexity is what draws Ruben to the role: “I like the fact that he’s not simple or predictable.”
Although Tyler supports Christine’s plan, there are limits.
“In real life, I wouldn’t do all the illegal things Christine asks of him,” Ruben says with a smile. “But we do have a lot in common – from how we care about people, to our love for fashion and social media.”
Ruben is no stranger to the camera or the stage. He has appeared in series such as Afgrond, Die Byl, Projek Dina, Suidooster and Arendsvlei. In addition to his work on Skemergrond, he’s involved in the production of an international gaming application, manages various social media projects and leads a youth group that includes pastors, spiritual dancers and an energetic praise and worship team.
“I also try to find more silence and balance – it’s necessary between all the projects,” he says.
Ruben’s preparation for the role is thorough.
“I had deep conversations with the director and producers about Tyler’s path. They, along with the writers, had a clear vision of who he is and what drives him. Devonecia and I also had intense discussions about the dynamic between our characters. It’s a relationship with many layers.”
As an actor, Ruben thrives on challenges.
“A character needs to have a dark side – it makes him complex and realistic. It also gives me more room to be creative.”
What’s next for him?
“I’m currently working on commercials, but in the long term, I want to direct films and eventually have a smallholding just outside Cape Town to grow fruit and vegetables and keep a few animals.”
And, as always, his heart remains in community work.
“Since I was named second runner-up at Mr SA in 2009, I’ve been working to inspire the youth and give them access to opportunities. That’s one of the most important things to me.”
Skemergrond airs every Monday to Thursday at 19:30 on kykNET&kie (DStv channel 145). It’s also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
