Adjetey Anang' Top Ten Lessons
1. OBSERVATION & OPPORTUNITY.
In the beginning, I visited the places where actors rehearsed and just enjoyed them while learning by observation. I only seized my opportunity when one character failed to turn up.
2. PROFESSIONALISM.
Theatre can give you a role opposed to your personality, but you have to wear it and take it off like a garment. The conflict arises when people actually perceive you as the ‘bad boy’ character and even go to the extent of shielding their children from you.
3. INTELLECT & PHILOSOPHY.
Theatre must make us think about societal change. It must not just be about humour and wit but also about sober reflection.
4. FORMAL TRAINING.
After performing for a while, I honed my craft at the School of Performing arts where I was largely influenced by Prof. Martin Owusu. I later proceeded to lecture at NAFTI.
5. ADAPTATION.
Taking on a part involves research and adaptation. To help me act the role of ‘Pusher’ in ‘Things we do for love’, I had to visit a number of bars to appreciate the mannerisms of the larger-than-life character I was trying to portray.
6. INVISIBLE ROLES.
Most industries are far larger than the people you see on the frontline. People like costumers and those in charge of special effects take time to really analyze loads and loads of details in designing for the part. Film is really a science.
7. PERSONAL ETHICS.
I walked away from a very lucrative contract that required me to endorse and drink alcohol for ethical reasons. It was a very difficult decision that required consultation and counselling but I look back now with gratitude because God rewarded me for my decision.
8. EXCELLENCE.
I will celebrate someone like Shirley Frimpong Manso who has the conviction and the guts to consistently insist on her standards of excellence. Shirley would typically make tough demands on A-List actors or actresses without pausing to consider who they are.
9. FEEDBACK AND IMPACT.
My greatest fear is insincere feedback. It is worrying when people hail you or praise you for work that you know feel short of the mark. My other fear is leaving my audience with nothing beneficial after a performance.
10. TEMPTATIONS.
The movie industry is fraught with temptation and nothing prepared me for it. I struggled to cope initially but my wife has been a great source of support and strength.