The two sides of Luan Jacobs in Diepe Waters
The talented Luan Jacobs, who has a string of films, TV series and stage productions to his name, makes his first appearance in Diepe Waters on 21 May. But there’s much more to his character than meets the eye.
Tell us more about the character.
I play the role of Damian. He is a very pleasant fellow who carries everyone’s dreams in his heart. He works for a company that sends swimmers to America to prepare them for the Olympic Games. Damian is meticulous and very thorough with his preparation, but he carries a deep wound that he hides from everyone. I can’t reveal more than that now.
What did you enjoy most about the role?
A good script and storyline are very rare. The fact that this role includes both is something that attracted me. I also thoroughly enjoyed the crew behind and in front of the cameras. We quickly became friends. Diepe waters treated me like a VIP, and it was a pleasure to share the screen with old friends like Neels, Reze-Tiana, Werner and Eloïse.
Stage, TV, films … You’ve proven yourself in all these mediums. Do you have a favourite?
The controversial question! Actors often ask other actors this question and then judge you if you don’t choose theatre. For me, it’s all three. If the work is interesting and the script is good, I’m in. Something I’ve always worked very hard on is to remain consistent in everything that comes my way. There are elements in each medium that have their own allure and from which I benefit greatly. But if someone were to put a gun to me head, at this stage, I’d choose TV and film. These mediums are attractive because of the pace and the location-specific nature involved. You have to shoot on top of a train’s roof if that’s what the script dictates, like in Ballade vir ‘n enkeling, or run around in the Karoo for two months, like in Jagveld, or shoot in the Cape if the story is set in the Cape, like in Fynskrif. The list goes on, but the travel options and the enjoyment of the craft appeal to me.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I always say: “I don’t sleep a lot, but when I sleep, I sleep well.” I’m juggling several projects at the moment. I’ve just produced three theatre productions, now touring seven provinces. At RSG, I’m directing a new project. It’s currently in pre-production and will start in July. And then I’m working on my first one-man show – Ballade van ‘n blikbrein – which will be staged at the Innibos arts festival. I’m also writing a fantasy film, which will be shot later this year, and I am a senior lecturer for theatre and radio at PALI (The Performing Arts Lifestyle Institute). My first book, Om teen treine te skree, will soon be published by NB Publishers. I do voice work for three different dubbed series, broadcast on several channels, and I will again be one of the judges for the annual Pronk Podium competition. I’m also writing two novels that I hope to send off to the publishers by November.
If you could be the Minister of Arts and Culture, what’s the first thing you would do?
The arts have the power to heal. I would bring back a form of the regional Performing Arts Councils catering for all our country’s languages. This would bring humanity closer together and not allow people to push each other away. I think it’s a time for healing more than a time for blame. The arts have the power to give people the ability to understand each other. I would also make sure that my plans are in place to become president of our country and to then implement a few strict measures against corruption.
Which South African story would you like to turn into a film?
Basically everything I’ve ever written and produced in other mediums. Film is a medium that captures its time in terms of available technological resources and the themes that people are concerned about. There is some eternal value in making a film. I believe there are also so many stories in our history that have not been told, like Wolraad Woltemade and Daisy de Melker, and perhaps there is room for a South African superhero. I think there is a revival in the entertainment world, as people are no longer afraid to talk about controversial themes and the platforms to do so are available. As long as it’s done tastefully, I’m very happy.
Who would you still like to act alongside?
The late Robin Williams, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Margot Robbie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lee Pace, Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, the list goes on and on.
Nationally, definitely anytime again with Neels van Jaarsveld, Wessel Pretorius, Edwin van der Walt, Je-ani Swiegelaar, Germandt Geldenhuys and Cindy Swanepoel. Anyone who is fun and kind and has a lot of respect for what we do.
Watch Diepe Waters Mondays – Thursdays at 18:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
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