Christo Davids as the tik- addict Abie in My name is Ellen Pakkies Christo Davids as the tik- addict Abie in My name is Ellen Pakkies
South Africa was riveted by the true tale of a mother driven to kill her drug-addicted son out of despair. My Name is Ellen Pakkies features 7de Laan star Christo Davids as Abie,– the son who gets killed.
The play sounds like a remarkable new production – it’s obviously so important for our own stories to get told on stage?
Our stories have always been told on stage, but what I love about this project is that it sits on my stoep. It’s something that we face daily. And that’s why the importance of conveying the story runs parallel with the educating that the story of Ellen Pakkies carries with it.
The role of Adam, or “Abie”, must be a very emotionally challenging role to play?
It is. I have played two other real life characters before but I have to admit it feels like the other two were preparation for this part. I had a brilliant director (Lizz Meiring) and a superb actress to act opposite (Vinette Ebrahim) which made the journey/process even more daring. It felt like being in a practical acting class lectured by two living legends of the stage.
Adam/Abie was a drug addict, who drove his mother to desperation. Are you able to get audiences to sympathise with your character, at all?
I don’t think the aim should be to feel sympathy, but more to convey his side of the story. He had his own reasons for doing what he did. I am merely here to give justice to a character, pay homage to a brilliant script and pray that the audience like it.
I believe you met Ellen Pakkies – together with Lizz Meiring and Vinette Ebrahim – and she gave you the exclusive rights to stage the story? This must have been quite a moving meeting?
I will never forget it. Such a tender, sensitive soul. All that went through my mind was: “Are they sure this is the right woman here?” It’s sad to see what these mothers have to go through on a daily basis.
Does the play contain a strong anti-drug message? Or is it more about the human messages of love, loss and hope?
I think it covers both quite extensively. It’s a story with a lesson. After we previewed in Joburg one of my friends came to me and said he doesn’t think he even wants to drink anymore after seeing the play.
Do you think it is the kind of production that many people can relate to – not only because of the drug problem which is huge in the Western Cape, but because of the human emotions?
Indeed. There are quite a few life lessons that I learned from this play that have nothing to do with drugs.
You have been acting since 11, when you appeared in Onder Engele on TV and were nominated for an Artes Award. Since then you have been on stage, TV and in films. Do people stop and recognise you on the street?
(LOL) Yes they do... it’s been a long, short road and I’ve been lucky and blessed with a great support system from my grandfather Goliath Davids and Zane Meas and Maurice Paige.
And how does this feel – pretty good, I am sure?
One must take it all in one’s stride. My grandfather always said that you should never lose yourself in the business.
At the same time, you’ve finishing up a law degree at UWC. Why law, and not drama? Or do you intend to use your degree in the entertainment world?
I finished in 2006 already. Law is something that I love but I am not passionate about. I’ve always been more in love with the Baxter Theatre than UWC.
How did you manage to balance acting and studying?
I’m not sure how I made it through. I was more busy doing plays and films while I was at varsity than I am now. I use to fly up and down to come write tests, hop in a taxi from varsity to make my call time at the theatre. It was and has always been loads of fun. That’s why I say I have never worked a day in my life!
And what do you do to relax?
I read a lot. Especially books about theatre, and other people’s plays. I also watch so much theatre that sometimes I have to wait for new things to start because I have seen everything that’s on the circuit!
l My Name is Ellen Pakkies is at the Baxter until May 7. To book, call 021 680 3989.