With Namibia’s first longest running drama series, ‘The 3rd Will’ currently wrapping up production for it’s fourth season, Namib Insider caught up with Glen-Nora Tjipura, who plays Grace.
Tjipura’s Character was introduced in the last episode of the 1st season, which premiered in 2016. Tjipura shares that she was looking to do a character who was somewhat dark-sided and troubled, which Grace is; with her history of Drug and Alcohol abuse.
How would you describe your character in a way so that you don’t give away the secret twist to the story?
Young, naïve, and of course, artistic.
Is she anything like you?
Yes, my character feels closer to home; in a sense that I used to be Grace. I feel my character is a younger version of me, minus the addiction part that is.
Do you think you and her could’ve been friends in real life?
The younger version of myself would have, but as for me now, I don’t think so.
What is the most energy draining scene you have been involved in?
I can’t really give one specific scene, but I think in general all the physical scenes are usually energy draining; the ones where my Grace ends up getting a slap.
Could you put away your character when the director yelled “Cut” after that scene?
No, for me my acting process is a little different. I need to be in character before the scene and after the director has yelled cut.
Who is your favourite person on set?
I don’t really have favourite person on set. I am usually an introvert on set. I like to stay clear from interactions and just focus on getting in character, but if I had to pick, I would say Dice, who plays my characters’ brother, Micheal, and Elizabeth who portrays Charlotte, Grace’s evil aunt.
What were all your initial responses to the script?
I loved it, as I said before I originally wanted to do such a character and getting to play Grace was beyond amazing for me. But also on a side note; for the past two seasons I have also been a part of the writing team, which is great but also a bummer, the script no longer comes as a surprise.
Has it been difficult to maintain a creative identity over the span of your career as an actress?
I would say so, because for a creative to even build an identity one has to be given a wealth of experiences and we don’t have that many platforms in Namibia.
Do you have any plans to retire from the series anytime soon, out of free will, of course?
Not at all, ‘The 3rd Will’ is like family now.
How do you balance work, family and your business?
I don’t like the word balance, because I personally feel that, that doesn’t really exist. I cope with it all without losing myself, I think I have learned to take care of myself more often. For instance, there will be days, even periods, where my creativity is at its peak in such cases I isolate myself. On other days, my soul would need nourishment and talking to my mom on the phone or meeting up with a friend usually does the trick. Also, I need to always take care of my spirit, which can done by hiking, doing yoga or meditating.
Is there a certain regimen you put yourself through? In terms of the diet, the workout?
I prefer to start the day first with a 20 minute meditation and then hit the gym, although its not a routine I follow religiously, but it’s always nice to check in with the spirit and the body before getting busy with the days demands.
What were you busy with before you decided to sit down and answer these questions?
I don’t think I can say- its not exactly PG13…
Who is the messiest person you know?
Me, Myself and I. I like the order that I can find in chaos.
What celebrity would you rate as a perfect 10?
Locally Tjuna- She is a very beautiful person but also has that profoundness and humility which you don’t find in most people.
Internationally- Kerry Washington I love how she keeps her life private, I feel she has successfully managed to create a space for her sanity and well-being by keeping what needs to be private, private and vice versa.
What’s your favorite place to eat?
They are quiet a few now, and all are in Klein Windhoek, but my favourites would be Oportuga, Stellenboch and Klein Windhoek Quest House. They have good food and won’t burn a whole in your pocket.
Are you good at accents?
Most of the time not, but it all takes taking myself into the culture and its people for me to tap into their specific accent.
Do you sing in the shower?
No, but when all is well on the inside, I sing anywhere. I have a friend who makes fun of me for that, he compares me to the character Jess from New girl.
What are some things that sound like compliments but are actually insults?
Saying darling before asking someone to do something for you or when someone I don’t know says ‘sweetie’ and then compliments me.
What’s the worst commercial you’ve recently seen?
I can’t think of any- I rarely watch commercials.
The third season of the drama series which revolves around an inherited family feud is on at Zambezi Magic (Dstv channel 160) on Wednesdays at 21h30. The show is also available on DStv Catch Up.
(Images: Provided)
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