Actor Given Stuurman recently opened up about his experience portraying Sphelele Dlamini in the Netflix crime drama Umthetho. His character is the youngest brother of the main characters, Mbali, portrayed by Nqobile Khumalo, and Moses, portrayed by Tony Kgoroge.
Also see: SK Khoza makes a powerful return in Netflix’s ‘Umthetho’
More about Sphelele Dlamini
Sphelele is a young man living in the township, trying to pave his own way while navigating family dynamics, young love, young fatherhood, and his own future.
IOL reports that Stuurman said building Sphelele wasn’t difficult, as he had encountered many people who are similar to his character in his personal life. Instead, he stated that the most challenging aspect of building this character was trying to make him different from the familiar portrayals of black men ekasi.
Stuurman wanted to provide a refreshing portrayal of the average young black man trying to make it in life from the township. He further told the above-mentioned publication that his journey in building Sphelele had been finding emotional beats and heartfelt moments that many men from the township tend to walk away from.
Also see: ‘Umthetho’ has viewers raving about Netflix’s efforts in SA storytelling.
Sphelele Dlamini’s story
In the plotline, Sphelele plays a young man juggling many hats. He is burdened with the pressure to consistently show up as his best self. He needs to be a good partner and father to his unborn child, finish his studies, and get his business off the ground, along with making ends meet at home. There’s also the pressure of doing right by his sister, who was practically a mother to him.
Sphelele is faced with so much pressure, and combining this with the valour of youth, he finds himself making decisions that are life-changing and drastic, ultimately working against the goals he’s set for himself.
Given Stuurman’s portrayal
Stuurman took his time and studied his character, excited by the storyline, stating that it is delightful to watch Sphelele make the decisions he makes. Although the worst, they show the consequences of a decision extend far beyond the person who made them.
This is, however, a very different role from what South African viewers are used to. As a former child actor, Stuurman has taken on many roles, yet his role as Kgosi in Scandal! was the role he is best known for. With Sphelele, Stuurman has revealed another layer to his acting abilities.
In Umthetho, Stuurman delivers an emotionally complex and vulnerable performance that highlights the complexity that many young black men hold within themselves, revealing how decisions can derail one’s life.
Also see: Mzansi debates Sindi Dlathu’s latest screen roles in ‘Umthetho’ and beyond
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