Nompilo Mwelase faces backlash for ‘rude and heartless’ auditions. Nompilo Mwelase, who is known for her role as Nokuthula on SABC1’s Skeem Saam, has been criticised for her behaviour towards aspiring actors who auditioned in KwaZulu-Natal.
The auditions were organised by Black Brains Pictures, a production company owned by renowned actor and producer Mandla N. The company was looking for IsiZulu-speaking actors and actresses for its upcoming projects.
The auditions started in Newcastle and ended in.
Mwelase was a casting director during the auditions that took place at a crowded Batcentre in Durban on Saturday.
Some hopefuls claimed that they were not given a chance to show their talents because they were abruptly interrupted by Mwelase. When contacted for comment, Mwelase said she thinks the social media backlash on her is unjustified.
“People must work on their craft. I’m not gonna be having bosses unhappy with my work trying to please people,” said Mwelase.
“I had a judge doing pre-screening after me because I was being kind and letting people go through, but judges complained that they were getting only ‘wooden mics’ instead of people they were really looking for.
“Having been an actor for a while, I can easily spot one with a potential.”
She advised aspiring actors not to give up after the rejection.
“I have been down this road myself, but I dusted myself up and kept knocking on doors until my break came.
“This year is the fourth year I am working with Mandla N because I had to go through phases. As much as some people were desperate for opportunities at the auditions, I was also doing my job to the best of my ability.”
Some people on social media say it was not the first time that Black Brains Pictures treated aspiring actors badly in Durban.
The production company is among leading storytellers in the country having produced Lockdown, Isitha: The Enemy, The Back Door and Diep City, among others.
Mandla N was not available for comment.
