Straight ahead for South
Not even experienced actors are immune to opening night nerves. For neophyte Shak-Quera South, it was like walking on pins and needles when she made her major theatre debut in writer Patrick Brown’s Straight Jacket in July.
South, who alternates with Sakina Deer in the role of Shonda, has since made four appearances in Brown’s comedy at Centerstage Theatre in Kingston. Her performance has improved since, but things were not perfect two months ago.
“I was nervous, as I think any actor probably is for their first show. Combining that with working with accomplished, seasoned actors and wanting to match up to what they were giving by at least half,” she told the Jamaica Observer. “I didn’t flop and that was important, or at least I think I didn’t (laughs), but errors were made and my focus was to get better with each performance,” South added. “And I feel that. I feel improvements each time I step on the stage and I think more importantly my confidence grows with each performance.”
Shonda is a young widow with psychological problems. She is close friends with Greg, played by Glen Campbell and Ellie (Dahlia Harris) whose marriage is challenged by charges of infidelity.
Courtney Wilson, as Jerry, completes the cast for the Jambiz International production.
From Kingston, South is in her 20s and also an aspiring journalist. She has been acting for five years, starting with the University Dramatic Arts Society, and has done a “few short films” and small plays.
South played Mira in Sprinter, director Storm Saulter’s critically-acclaimed movie currently doing the European and North American film festival circuit.
For the past two years, she has been a member of the Centerstage Workshop under the tutelage of Trevor Nairne, who also directs her in Straight Jacket.
A string of successful plays has made Jambiz International, arguably, the most successful theatre company in Jamaica. South admits that reputation makes it even more of a task to do well.
“There is pressure for sure, but none more than I put on myself. Jambiz has a standard and the last thing you want is for that standard to drop because of you,” she said. “I’ve learnt so much from Patrick Brown and Trevor Nairne, and I continue to learn from them and all the other actors. So, the greatest benefit is how much of a student I’ve become, just soaking up knowledge.”
Shak-Quera South can be seen in Straight Jacket, playing this weekend at Centerstage Theatre.