In Conversation with Actress Nse Ikpe-Etim

My first time was on stage when I played Anowa in ” Anowa” – Ama Ata Aidoo. It was a feeling I cannot describe. Out of this world.

Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): In the movie “Broken” the director wanted the character I played to show her pain with tears.. I decided that wailing was a tad bit too much. I used my eyes more, shed calculated tears and he loved it. 

How would you describe acting?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): Basically, I would say that acting is all in the reacting.

What is the most memorable character you have played?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I played ‘Bolarinwa’ in “The Meeting”

Do you get offer from Hollywood?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I have not attended any auditions for those and until then.

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How can an actor get into Hollywood?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I think it’s all in being you. Truth is, there is always someone looking out for you, don’t ever try to be anyone else.

Did you study acting?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I have a degree in Theatre Arts.

How did you get into acting? Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I was cast by Emem Isong to play a role in her movie ‘Reloaded’ and that has been the journey through.

Do you take course in acting to improve your craft?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I read a lot of books.

What acting courses have you taken recently?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I have taken courses online on the Metaphysical aspects of Acting.

What do you want from a director during production? Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I want to trust my director. I want the director to lead me through as I am his tool.

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Do you work on instincts or an acting technique?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I listen to my instincts but I am a strong believer of Method Acting.

What situation helps your character on set?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): Affective Memory comes to play sometimes but I have realized that when you assume a character, and you listen to your fellow actor, your reaction is all that takes you through. It comes naturally without you trying. So I just “listen”.

How do you remain fresh on a production set?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I try as much as possible not to wear myself out with unnecessary distractions, and I try and avoid alcohol and over-eating. I drink loads of water and meditate.

When you are offered a hole on set?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I read the script once, forget it, then I dissect the script and strip the character till she is completely naked, then I clothe her.

How do you take a character in a script to an honest, believable and breathing person?
Nse Ikpe-Etim (NE): I look for a point or something that connects me to the character, I build on that.

Nse is a Nigerian multiple award winning female actor. She is the first of six children. She attended Awa Nursery School Kaduna, Command Children’s School Jos, St Louis College Jos, Federal Government College(Jos and Ilorin). While in secondary school, she was actively involved in sports (Basketball and Volleyball) and social activities; and was known for her eloquence, dedication and determination. She had her Television break at the age of 18 when she anchored a show on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Nse also went into the pageant world and won several crowns.

She graduated from the University of Calabar where she studied theater arts and gave outstanding performances on stage. The Plays include Anowa by Ama Ata Aidoo, Marriage Of Anansewa by Efua Sutherland, Child Internationale by Wole Soyinka, Milikin Mata by Harry Hagher to name a few. Towards the end of 2011, she wowed the audience in yet another award winning stage play ‘Same Page’. After graduation, Nse took a break from acting; to work in the Banking and Business sectors. She also went into the fashion industry and improved her culinary skills. Her comeback movie ‘Reloaded’ earned her a nomination in the African Movie Academy Awards.

Her career soared right after reloaded became a hit. The amazing and versatile actor takes her time to internalize her role and become her character. Little wonder why she is dearly loved in the film industry. She has described herself as ‘an ardent student of Stanislavski’. Nse is a fan of Manchester United FC. In her spare time, she loves to read, write, cook, watch football and play scrabble. She is an actor, a writer, professional chef and a lover of arts.

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