Brutney Singrew on Skemergrond: ‘What was once just a dream is now my reality’
At 28, this talented actress is living out her television dreams as Chelsea Kannemeyer in Skemergrond – her most substantial role to date. Viewers have seen her in series such as Juffrou X, Suidooster and Ouma Sarie, but it is in Skemergrond where she is truly making her mark.
Brutney describes Chelsea as “a bubbly little person” who’s mad about flowers. “She comes from a long line of flower sellers and now works with her aunt at Gloria’s stall. She truly finds joy in her work with the flowers.”
When Chelsea first arrived in Gemoedsdrif, she was an outsider. “Chelsea came to live in a strange place as a stranger. But she quickly got used to the environment and the people there. She came to realise that the new environment has a purpose in her life.”
One of the biggest mind shifts her character made, is in the way she sees love: “Her perspective on love changed, and she is ready to now give it another go.”
For Brutney, it is precisely that growth that draws her to the character. “I enjoy portraying Chelsea. She’s a loving person. I enjoy seeing how she tackles the knocks of life with both hands and comes out better on the other side.”
Although they share certain traits, there are clear differences. “Our personalities are kind of the same, but her choices are definitely not a reflection of what I would do in certain situations.”
Being part of Skemergrond’s established cast and crew is something she describes without hesitation as “amazing”. “Everyone is so gifted, and it’s a wonderful experience to see how they create magic on set every day.”
The highlight of her day? “Firstly, the coffee! It’s good and strong and definitely helps with the energy to make the magic happen,” she laughs. “And then my talented colleagues.” She describes the atmosphere on set as something special: “In the mornings it feels like one big family having breakfast together. Everyone gets themselves ready for the day. It might sound like noise when we’re running our lines, but for us that’s what a successful day sounds like. The atmosphere is light, and there’s love in every form.”
Her co-star William Adams, who plays Louis Pienaar, plays a big role in her experience on set. “William is a very gifted actor. The authenticity in his performance helps me bring out my most authentic self. He challenges me – and that’s a good thing, because it brings out the best in me.” She adds: “We both have the ability to think on our feet, and that makes working together easy and enjoyable.”
There is also plenty of laughter between the more serious scenes. “When we do emotional scenes and someone says the clichéd ‘How could you!?’, it sometimes becomes very funny – especially with William being the ‘funny guy’ on set.”
When she heard she would be joining Skemergrond, it felt surreal. “It was definitely a pinch-me moment. Especially for me, having grown up in George. It’s always difficult to get opportunities so far from the industry’s hotspots.”
She says the opportunity held deeper meaning for her. “Even just the idea that something like this was possible for me, so far from home, was a blessing on its own. It made me feel like every sacrifice and dry season was not in vain.”
She grew up in George and describes her childhood as simple but filled with love. “We didn’t have much, but there was always enough love.” She and her sisters grew up with their grandmother – who was deaf and mute. “It was always fun to speak sign language at home and to teach my friends the language.” She also remembers how her parents attended every ballet performance and how her sisters stood in the audience with posters in their hands. “They shouted louder than the music,” she smiles.
Her first audition was for kykNET’s Juffrou X. “I was very nervous, but also very excited.” It didn’t take her long to realise she’s in the right industry. “It’s very demanding, but so necessary – for artists and also for viewers and supporters. This industry made me realise how important it is to portray the most authentic version of a character.”
Although she doesn’t often watch her own work – “I’m way too critical when it comes to my performance” – every new appearance still feels like the first time. And when she looks back, one thing is clear: “My role in Skemergrond is definitely one of the highlights of my career.”
From a young girl in George with big dreams to an actress holding her own in one of the country’s most popular shows – for her, this is only the beginning of the story.
Skemergrond airs every Monday to Thursday at 19:30 on kykNET & kie (DStv Channel 145) and is also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
