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Suya leads acting training initiative

 Seasoned actress-cum-filmmaker Flora Suya is championing a film acting training initiative that has attracted 25 aspiring actors, which is taking place simultaneously in Lilongwe and Blantyre.

In an interview, Suya said the initiative has been premised on the high demand for the drama training in the country, with the University Malawi being the only known tertiary institution that offers a course in drama.

Suya: There is high demand for acting training in Malawi

“As a result, many actors in Malawi are self-taught, including myself. Owing to my experience, I have received several random requests from people, to train them in the basics of the trade,” she said.

The participants are being taken through lessons such as understanding body language, plenary and review sessions of film productions and conveying emotions which are believable and exciting during a performance.

Suya said the trainees comprise both beginners and some who have a little background in stage and film acting, but she has lauded the enthusiasm that they are showing towards the training.

The first cohort started training on November 6 and the next recruitment

 is expected to take place in January. Those in Blantyre are receiving their lessons at the Museum while the Lilongwe team is at Synergy Working Space in Area 12.

A Lilongwe participant, Patrick Amos, 19, said the training will help him understand theatre from a new persepective, which is crucial for him as an aspiring actor.

He said: “I have a rich background in stage acting, but I had never been exposed to film acting. The training has given me an opportunity to explore film acting and mould me into a complete actor.”

Twent y – year – old Jemimah Chapota, also from Lilongwe, said although they are yet to complete the training, there is already a notable difference in the knowledge they have gained since the training started.

“Personally, the training has helped me a lot in improving my skills and knowledge. The goal is to have a vibrant film industry, replete with well-trained actors. This will put us in a better position to work with producers from both Malawi and abroad,” she said.

The participants paid K10 000 to enroll for the self-funded initiative. After completion of the training, the 25 trainees are expected to produce a short film.

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