I am hopelessly romantic- Adesua Etomi

Adesua Etomi is one of Nollywood’s new shining stars. In this interview with JOAN  OMIONAWELE, she talks about her career, fashion preference, among other issues.

WHAT was the experience like working on the set of the movie of ‘Knocking on heaven’s door’, the movie that brought you to limelight?

‘Knocking on heaven’s door’  was like being on a roller coaster ride, emotionally and physically. It was my first film ever and so I was quite green as far as film terminologies went.  All the training I had in the UK was for the theatre, so hearing things like CU, Medium shot and the like was brand new. I remember quietly pondering how we had so many takes quietly because I wasn’t about to blow this by asking rookie questions. I simply opened my eyes and ears and took in every single thing. I was a sponge on that set, determined to learn everything. So, in  a nutshell, it was like going to school all over again.

How did you land the lead role?

During my three months visit to Lagos, I travelled to the US for a while, when I got back I heard there had been auditions for a movie that had singing.  Naturally, I was sad that I had missed it, a couple of my friends had attended the auditions and even got call backs.  It seemed like something that would have been perfect for me. So I decided to send Emem Isong a message on Facebook asking if I could audition and explaining why I was unavailable the first time. She said I could audition at the callbacks. She and a few other people were on the panel. I auditioned and thankfully I got the role.

You played the role of a gospel singer and a victim of domestic abuse in the movie, do you think a lot is being done on behalf of women and children who are abused everyday in Africa?

I think the awareness for domestic violence is improving, it isn’t perfect and there is still a stigma, but everyday speaking out is less of taboo than the day before. People are constantly creating avenues to bring attention to cases of domestic violence. Several of my colleagues like OC Ukeje, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Kiki Omeili and I were part of a photography campaign created by Mr Nigeria — Emmanuel Ikubese called Project R.A.W. We took a series of pictures in various stages of distress to shed light on violence against women. That is going to be expanded into a bigger campaign. With initiative like this and with favourable legislation, domestic violence will soon be markedly reduced.

Were you initially scared of the big names before you decided to join Nollywood?

No, I wasn’t afraid. I have the utmost respect for my senior colleagues and everyone who helped grow Nollywood to what it is today. Their love for the craft and their discipline is enviable. But fear? No, I do not fear.

I understand you have featured in more of stage dramas than Nollywood movies, which do you prefer?

I love acting and whichever way it presents itself is fine by me. An actor is an actor, be it on stage or in film. Think of actors as vessels and these platforms serve  as our media. My calling is to act and if I’m contacted for a project which intrigues me, I’ll do it, be it on stage or in film. And when you love something you’ll jump at it, regardless of whatever package it is wrapped in.

Is Adesua a naturally romantic person?

I’m hopelessly romantic. My middle name might as well be romance. I believe that in life there are too many mediocre things and if one thing should be magical it is love. I love to plan elaborate romantic scenarios for my family and friends. You don’t even need to ask for my help, the minute you mention a surprise with a hint of romance I’m on it!

How do you handle advances of stubborn male fans ?

The people who follow my work are really sweet and polite. I don’t think I have pushy fans; maybe it’s as a result of my personality. I have fans that are goofy or sweet, never rude or stubborn as you say.

What challenges do you face as an actress in the industry?

In the early days of my career it was the challenge of being given an opportunity to show my acting chops. Thankfully with time this has gotten better. Now maybe it would be the challenge of typecasting. It’s very easy to find yourself in a box because of a previous performance. I have so much acting to give and I would love to show how diverse I can be, if given a chance. An actor lives to play different people.

 Who are your role models in the industry ?

Everyone is great. There are so many bright examples ahead of me. I watch everyone because there is always something to learn. There are a few people I absolutely love and look forward to working with one day, sooner or later. I have a wish list and RMD, Kalu Ikeagwu, Rita Dominic and Kate Henshaw are on it!

Did you at any point think of doing a white collar job ?

Yes I did. Originally the plan was to get a job for a little bit and save some money to finance my acting career. All the positions I applied for and worked at were temporary positions. But the money was good, so it was easy to keep postponing my entry into the acting world. One day I quit my job at that time because I felt like I was being stifled creatively and I was not doing what I was meant to do. With the money I had saved up, I decided to visit Lagos and the rest you know.

What other movies and series have you featured in ?

Aside ‘Knocking on heavens door’, there is also ‘Brave’, ‘Gidi Up Season 2’ and ‘The Call’ which have been released. The others which will be out in the next few months are Uduak lsong’s ‘Falling’, ‘30s,’ MTV’s Shuga, ‘Las Gidi Cops’, ‘A Soldier’s Story’ and I will start shooting a film called ‘A couple of days’ in a few days.

What made you want to be an actor?

I don’t think it was a conscious choice. It was just something I was meant to do, something in my destiny, it chose me. It has been a passion of mine since I can remember. It is a calling and a part of my destiny. I really don’t have a choice in the matter. I can’t do without it. It’s an endless love affair.

You could have picked up a job abroad, why did you come back?

I did have a job abroad, more than one in fact. The last and longest was a year. In that spell I worked at a fashion company where I was a merchandising and buying administrator.  I wasn’t planning to move back to Lagos in the near future; the idea was to visit for three months because I had been restless at my job. Something was missing so I needed a break. I got on a plane to visit for three months and it has been three years since my “short vacation.” I stayed back in Lagos and decided to give Nollywood a try because after I landed my first film role, I got to see how Nollywood worked and I liked it  a lot. There is, of course, room for improvement and growth and I want to be part of the people that put it on the map. I love to act and Nollywood has given me a platform which I’m grateful for.

  You are no doubt very beautiful, how do you hope to cope with sexual advances in Nollywood?

Thank you. Weirdly enough I haven’t experienced anything untoward since I got into the industry. Everyone I’ve met and worked with has been professional and respectful of my personal space. I find myself more in the middle of intellectual conversations rather than sexual ones.

What was growing up like?

It was a well-rounded experience. Everything I am now is a result of my experiences growing up. I can appreciate life better because of what I went through. I’m grateful for everything about my childhood, the times I laughed and the times I cried. The times I was happy and the times I was not so happy. It all turned out to my benefit.

 What were your childhood dreams?

To be an actor, above everything else this is what I really wanted to do with my life. I’m living my dream, I know people say that a lot but in my case I could not have wished for a life other than the one I have now.

 What’s your fashion fetish?

I like shoes. I always have the urge to buy shoes, good shoes.