Theatre honed my craft, kept me grounded — Olarotimi Fakunle

The Punch features an insightful interview with actor Olarotimi Fakunle, who reflects on the profound impact of his theatre origins on his career. Fakunle articulates how his early immersion in stage performance has been instrumental in keeping him grounded and refining his acting skills, providing a foundation that transcends the nuances of camera work.

“

My journey in theatre, and the fact that I started in theatre, has kept me grounded, and it is one of the best gifts I could have asked for. It has helped me hone my craft time and again, and it has also made me appreciate the art better in terms of interpretation and understanding.

He elaborates on the critical differences between theatre and film, describing theatre as "loud" and film as "subtle." Fakunle acknowledges that while the core of acting remains the same, the medium demands a shift in approach. He candidly discusses the harsh realities of the film industry, where talent must be coupled with visibility to secure opportunities, a stark contrast to the more consistent work often found in theatre.

“

Theatre is very loud; film is very subtle. That’s why I say the transition for me was easy, because I am someone who researches, trains, and reads a lot.

Fakunle's perspective offers a valuable look into the actor's journey within the Nigerian entertainment landscape. His emphasis on "learning, unlearning, and relearning" and the continuous effort to "kill" each role to avoid being stereotyped speaks to the dedication required to thrive. The interview, as presented by The Punch, not only highlights Fakunle's personal insights but also sheds light on the broader challenges and artistic considerations faced by actors in Nollywood, celebrating the craft and the dedication it demands.

“

It doesn’t matter how good you are, there is no guarantee you will get the next job. It’s not because you are not good; it’s because people are looking to sell their films and are looking for faces that will sell, irrespective of talent. So, the harsh reality is that talent is never enough; visibility is very important.