There’s more to Nadia Beukes’ Diepe Waters character than meets the eye
The versatile and talented Nadia Beukes will appear in Diepe Waters from Tuesday 11 June as Michelle, a representative from a swimming association who has her eye on Charity. But she certainly has a hidden agenda too.
Michelle may not be everything she appears to be. How did you get under the character’s skin?
Michelle is definitely not who she appears to be, and it was a lot of fun for me to play this type of role for a change. As with any character, it was important for me to not hold back and to give it my all. I also feel that being at a place in my own life where I feel more comfortable in my own skin creates more space for me to get to know the characters I play better, to feel comfortable in their world, and then to immerse myself in collaboration with the directors, writers and fellow actors, as well as everyone behind the scenes, so that we can ultimately tell stories that entertain, inform and inspire people.
What did you enjoy about the role?
Oh, the car and the clothes along with the red nails, high heels and above all, Michelle’s confidence were fun to try on. It was also an absolute pleasure to see so many familiar faces in front of and behind the cameras, especially seeing Johnny Potsanyane, who played my son in Getroud met rugby, in action. The Diepe waters team is wonderful, and everyone made me feel very safe. Dané de Waal, who plays the role of Charity, took me under her wing. Although we clash on screen, we had great fun between scenes, which made me feel very welcome. It was also a highlight for me to act opposite Sandi Schultz and to portray a character for the first time who has an accomplice played by the lovely Lewellyn Cordier. The whole storyline and experience were great fun.
Have you encountered Michelles in your life?
Michelle can be described in one word as a bully, and yes, I have definitely encountered bullies. I must add that as a person, and especially as a mother, I have a very low tolerance for bullies. I make a point of teaching my children that bullies are actually people who can’t love themselves. Therefore, bullies are people we should feel sorry for because their hearts hurt so much that they hurt others to feel better about themselves. Hopefully, Michelle is one of those characters that viewers will love to hate.
Music has always been part of your career, and your portrayal of The Baroness in the recent production of The Sound of Music received great praise. What do you enjoy most about musical theatre? Is there a dream role you still hope to play?
Thank you very much for the compliment. Playing The Baroness in The Sound of Music was a highlight in my career and life. The collaboration between Cape Town Opera and Pieter Toerien Productions made this version of The Sound of Music a special experience for us as a company and also for the audience. In terms of dream roles, I have a list that spans various genres and productions, and for my age and voice, there really is a lot to be excited about when it comes to musical theatre. But even more than that, my dream is to continue doing what I do and to embrace the opportunities that come my way (and fall within my capacity as a woman and mother) with open arms and like with The Sound of Music, to give my best, continue to grow and live life to the fullest.
What else are you busy with for the rest of the year?
I am very grateful to already have quite a few prospects for the rest of this year, which include a lot of voice work. Among other things, I am playing two roles in two dubbed series that will be broadcast on M-Net, one in English and the other in Afrikaans. I will be singing later this year at the Afri-Duet Festival, and I’m involved with the Pronk Podium platform. I am also very excited about my involvement in a new original local musical that will be on stage at the AfriForum Theatre later this year. #watchthisspace
And then I’m always happy to audition as opportunities come, and I believe the right role will come at the right time. I also have several projects, such as the children’s music group Die Rakkers, which require my attention. It is truly a privilege to be so busy, and I am very grateful for that.
June 16th is Father’s Day. What is the most valuable lesson you learned from your father?
I have a lot of love and respect for my dad, Rouel Beukes, and I have learned many lessons from him. But I think especially in terms of my career, he taught me that a good attitude and hard work should never be underestimated and to always acknowledge God’s goodness and favour in your life with a grateful heart.
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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