Let’s be honest… playing a character who’s ready to go to any lengths to protect her family isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But for Lerato Mvelase, stepping into the shoes of Babalwa in Marked was more than just about pulling off a performance. It was about diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood, sacrifice, and resilience. The actress didn’t just act; she became Babalwa, a mother driven to desperate measures. This Women’s Month, we’re celebrating the powerful role Mvelase embodied, showing us what it truly means to be a strong woman facing impossible odds.
Behind the scenes, Lerato is known for being loving, caring, and fun, proving the fact that strength doesn’t always have to be serious. With these three words in mind, we got into how she brought Babalwa to life with raw emotion and authenticity.
What was your preparation like for such a complex headspace of portraying Babalwa?
“It’s not necessarily pre-preparation besides the physical parts I had to prepare,” Mvelase shares. “I don’t go around kicking people, but I think of more allowing myself to walk into the space and be a blank page because it allows you to be directive, receive the story without any preconceived ideas about what the story is about or who Babalwa is, because she is not Lerato. I had to receive Babalwa in that moment so that everything feels real and immediate.”
What made Marked different from other roles you’ve played before?
Mvelase credits the director for pushing her to explore new emotional depths: “It’s how far the director pushed and stretched me. He made me see the detriment of the family’s situation. An emotion is an emotion, but if you’re looking at it from a surface level, it doesn’t do the character justice. The director helped me go to spaces I wouldn’t normally go to. I wouldn’t do a heist in real life, but emotionally, I understood the intensity of Babalwa’s actions.”
Did you draw from your own real-life experiences to portray Babalwa?
“Of course, I did. I drew from my experience of being a mom. What does it feel like, and even the thought of having my child sick? What would I do if I’m put in that position? Thinking of my own experience with my children helped me understand what the director was looking for in that moment,” she reflects.
Which scene from the series was the most demanding for you to shoot?
Mvelase explains that it’s difficult to pinpoint one specific scene. “All the emotional journey that Babalwa goes through is like life’s real challenges, highs and lows. Each scene had its own risks and accelerations. It’s hard to compare because so much was demanded from what that woman was experiencing from the beginning. Each moment built on the last, and it’s something that happens to all of us in everything we do.”
How did the cast work together to build that strong on-screen chemistry?
“We understood what we were there for. It wasn’t about us individually. It was about telling the story truthfully and authentically. Once we came on board with the intention of being truthful to the characters, we automatically connected,” Mvelase says. “Babalwa’s reality was that she needed a cohort for a heist, and she turned to those she knew were in similar situations—desperation, trepidation, and love. Each character had something they desperately needed, and as actors, we were desperate to tell that story.”
Were there any light-hearted moments that contrasted the storyline?
Mvelase chuckles when she recalls the moments of levity on set. “Absolutely! Duma is one of the funniest people to work with. He always finds the camera, and it was so light-hearted to see him move around the set, trying to position himself. No one was offended by it, and it helped break the tension. We also had great conversations about life and experiences. Those behind-the-scenes moments are important because they help build genuine relationships. When you genuinely connect off-screen, it shows in your performance.”
How did it feel to see a South African story like Marked reach a global audience on Netflix?
Mvelase is proud but not surprised. “It’s something I’ve seen coming for a long time. South Africa is a country with amazing talent, not just in front of the camera but behind the scenes as well. It’s a moment of recognition for the gold and diamonds in this country. South African productions are even better than some international works, and it’s beautiful to see the world starting to take notice.”
Has portraying Babalwa changed how you view your own strength as a woman and mother?
“Absolutely. It made me appreciate women a whole lot more. I’ve always known being a mom means sacrifice, but portraying Babalwa deepened my understanding. We often think that doing big, dramatic things makes someone stronger, but it’s the little things. Moms sacrifice every single day for their children’s well-being and survival. That’s what being a mom is about, giving a part of yourself for someone else’s future.”
What do you hope audiences take away from Marked?
Mvelase hopes that viewers will leave with a sense of faith. “God works things out always. We are a generation that needs to always remember that. Things will work out as they should, even if it’s not in the way we expect. Sometimes a ‘no’ is just a redirection to something better.”
If Babalwa had a theme song, what would it be?
“I think it would be ‘You Will Win’ by Jacqueline Carr,” Mvelase says, adding that Babalwa’s resilience aligns with the song’s powerful message. “Also, ‘Haunted’ by Beyoncé, it captures Babalwa’s struggle, her fight, and her haunting determination.”
What was the first thing you did after filming wrapped?
Mvelase laughs when reflecting on her post-shoot relaxation. “I went to the spa, drank some wine, and just processed everything. You get a little emotional after something so intense, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling.”
The post Women’s Month Tribute: Lerato Mvelase Brings Strength and Tenacity to Life appeared first on EntertainmentSA News South Africa.
إرسال تعليق