An African hero and love that

Terry Pheto: A United Kingdom

An African hero and love that knows no colour in movie to be released 9 December

South African actress Terry Pheto, who stars in the British film, A United Kingdom, talked to TSA about her role, and the politics that almost broke a home

An African hero and love that

Terry Pheto: A United Kingdom

A United Kingdom tells the true story of the King of the Bechuanaland (modern Botswana),Sir Seretse Khama, who marries a white British woman, Ruth and cause an international uproar.

South African actress Terry Pheto, who plays the King’s sister, Naledi Khama has been nominated in the British Independent Film Award’s Best supporting cast category  for her role in the film.

Terry spoke to us about her nomination and the film.

Tell us about your nomination?
It’s the greatest honour for any actor to be nominated alongside some of the most talented actors in the world. But because this story is so beautiful and so important, it means a lot more to me and it’s quite validating.

When you first heard about this movie and the role you would be playing, what was the first thing that came to your mind?
I was surprised that this fascinating story has taken to long to tell and that it hasn’t been told before! As a South African, I knew that Sir Seretse Khama was married to a white lady, but I had no idea about the challenges that they faced, how difficult it was for them to be together and the role that South Africa and apartheid played.

Tell us about your role, Naledi Khama.
Naledi is Sir Seretse’s sister.  They grew up without parents, which made them very close and quite dependant on each other. When Sir Seretse comes back from studying in London with a white wife, Naledi is taken aback. Naledi’s relationship with her brother is a protective one, especially he is in such a position of power and privilege.

Initially, Naledi is hostile towards Ruth but when she realises how much they have in common, not the least of which is how much they both love Seretse, the relationship turns to a one of shared ‘sisterhood’. A relationship that is cemented by Sir Seretse’s exile, leaving Ruth and Naledi in Botswana to fight for Seretse’s return home.

Naledi plays a really important role in keeping Ruth together and giving her support and encouraging her to fight because she also represents the women of Botswana and the family as well.

In interracial relationships, the politics always come into the dynamic, do you think it should at all be that way?
The film is set in the 1940s, against a background of segregation, racial division and the introduction of apartheid in South Africa. So for Sir Seretse and Ruth defy this, fall in love and fight to stay together even when Sir Seretse had so much to lose, is so inspiring.

Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo : A United Kingdom
Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo : A United Kingdom

It’s unfortunate that even today the story is still relevant, that we’re still facing racial segregation and people needing to explain why it’s okay to be black. That is why I feel like the timing is so perfect because now it is told when the world need to see love stories like this, where we can put African heroes in big screens and make the world fall in love.

In general, it’s hard to remove politics, because they affect how society react to things.  It’s really hard but it shouldn’t be the case when it comes to love. I think we should just be humans and actually, the politics should empower us to choose who we want to love, regardless of the colour of their skin or their gender.

How do you think this role differs from any other roles you’ve played before?
For starters, it’s a real life story, it’s not fiction and not a made up character. I’m a South African playing a Motswana woman from Botswana, but otherwise every role is different and I approach it differently, with the same respect and dignity.

Do you relate to Naledi in anyway?
As an African woman, certain things such as sisterhood come so naturally and when you see your  family members struggling you step in, so that’s not something you think twice about when Ruth is stuck in the car, Naledi has a change of heart  and sees this woman who  in the middle of nowhere, who left the luxuries of London to be here for love, that’s inspiring and I’d say for me, family, loyalty and support is equally important.

You also work with another SA heavyweight actor, Vusi Kunene. How was the experience of working with him?

Vusi Kunene: A United Kingdom
Vusi Kunene: A United Kingdom

We don’t have scenes together with Vusi but I’ve always been his fan and being in his presence, watching him does what he does is so inspiring. He is so captivating as an actor and as a human being, it’s always great to work with people that you can speak to in between takes, ask them for advice, draw from their wisdom and learn from them.

The film will be released nationally on December 9.

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