Interview with Geys de Villiers

The Interview

Where were you born?

I was born in the spare room in our house in Roodepoort Johannesburg. I am the youngest of five kids

When did your dream of becoming an actor begin?

I did some plays at school and had two bands called “Die Drie Slap Tjips” and “Bronco” but it was during my national service second year in Windhoek where I met the actors working at SWAPACT, that my passion for the theatre was finally evoked. You see my mother and father met on the amateur stage, so the performance spirit was probably in my blood and was only waiting for the right time to come to fruition. The company at SWAPACT needed a young waiter in one of their farces and they made me audition. I was chosen and was lucky enough to have a Commander whom allowed me to rehearse during official army time, anyway, standing backstage getting ready for my first entrance is where the smell of the theatre first hit me and I knew this was what I wanted to pursue. So it was never a dream, it was more a vocation, a calling that came to me and I am very grateful for getting started on my destiny at such a young age.

Have you ever thought that your dream would come true and that you would be such a big name in local entertainment?

Being a big name in local entertainment is an over statement. I say this, because our business is quite segregated. The Afrikaans speaking public would recognize me, but for most of the English speaking public they have only seen me in Isidingo as Cherell’s lawyer and that only lasted for maybe a month. But I have been lucky in the jobs that have come my way and now that I have learned through my wife to write my own work, I have really, for my own standards become a full rounded artist.

Tell us a bit about who you are and describe your every day life.

I am a hermit at heart and nothing makes me happier than staying at home and to potter. I’m always in the kitchen preparing something to nibble, I must have a very hungry worm keeping me on my toes. I don’t have many friends, but are very loyal to those close to me. If I’m performing at night, my day consists of resting, focusing and eating right for that one chance tonight. On my off time I always try to do a stretch in the morning, keeping my body supple for when the job comes. Then I’ll do some writing, always trying to keep some idea bubbling , seeing that we have to have proposals ready for the festivals up to six months in advance.

What are your hobbies and what do you do in your spare time?

My hobbies consist of making puppets out of wire, paper Mache and found objects. These have been on stage with us and crowd our house that is already full of every kind of sculpture and little trinket from somewhere or someone.

What qualifications do you have?

I have matric obtained from high school Linden in Johannesburg. Then I did one year at UCT of the performance diploma, after which I started working, freelance in 1982 and at PACT in 1983 as a junior actor. So now I have twenty five years of experience as a full time actor.

What have been your greatest accomplishments in life, so far?

My greatest accomplishment so far is finishing my first full length play and most importantly my wedding to my beautiful wife one year ago.

What are your plans for the following ten years?

I want to move to Knysna and start a theatre with my wife. Have lots of fun and raise beautiful babies. Also make my own movie, not soapy, movie! And record a CD

Tell us a bit about your character in Die Afrikaner?

In the Afrikaner the three actors go through the last three hundred years of history of the Afrikaner, so I probably play close to twenty characters. But I co-wrote the play with my wife, so I’m also there as a creator.

Tell us a bit about your co-actors in the Afrikaner?

My co-actors are Ilse Klink, more known as Vanessa in Isidingo and Wikus Du Toit . Ilse has one of the best voices in South Africa and played leads in musicals like Chicago, Menopause and will soon be seen in Rent playing all over the country. Wikus is a very talented musician and his voice has also taken him to win Crescendo. He has written numerous plays and has also won awards for his work. I have always wanted to work with both of my fellow actors and am very blessed to have them on stage with me.

What is the best part of of your Job?

The best part for me is that I don’t have to go to an office to ply my trade. I also get to travel and am always learning about the human condition and myself with every new process. I also get to play every possible type of profession in the world without getting stuck in any one of them.

How do you feel about life in South Africa?

For me life begins and ends in South Africa. This is the original earth and I’m honoured to find myself here at this particular time, as I say in the play “My hart bloei nie, my hart blom!”

Any inspirational words to Secunda?

Stay creative in all spheres of life and find a way to do a job that is where your passion lies. Have Fun, thanks!