Sello Maake KaNcube reflects on his love for theatre and weighs in on actor royalties
Veteran actor Sello Maake KaNcube has opened up about his passion for acting and the importance of theatre in shaping an actor’s craft.
During a recent interview on Kaya 959, the South African screen legend discussed his journey in the industry and shared his perspective on the growing debate around royalties for actors.
Maake KaNcube described his deep appreciation for both screen and stage but confessed that theatre holds a special place in his heart.
“You know, I would say theatre, but they are all my babies,” he said, comparing screen acting to “microwave cooking” due to its immediacy, while likening theatre to a slow-cooked pot, where performance simmers and matures over time.
He emphasized that stage acting provides the kind of grounding every serious performer needs.
“Real acting is in the theatre. That is where you actually develop your technique,” he said, referencing Denzel Washington’s views on the subject.
“People who come from the theatre and those who basically just started with film, there’s a huge difference. With theatre, it actually helps you to develop your own technique of acting.”
While promoting the play Master Harold and the Boys, the acclaimed actor also touched on the hot-button issue of royalties in the television industry.
The topic has sparked renewed debate following the financial struggles shared by seasoned performers like Nandi Nyembe.
Though Maake KaNcube has typically remained quiet on the matter, he didn’t shy away this time.
“I’ve always kind of cocooned myself from the stirrings of things,” he admitted. “But when it comes to television, we should be getting royalties. One is still having to fight for them and to get them.”