In the vibrant landscape of South Africa’s TV/Film industry, compelling talent continues to shine. This month, we spotlight Thembeka Kaula, better known as ‘Tkay Kaula,’ a multi-faceted South African actor. Tkay is a star through her exceptional performances and magnetic presence. She is an advocate for representation and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in the entertainment industry.
Actor Spaces is excited to get to know Thembeka ‘Tkay’ Kaula in depth as we share her light with our audience.
Zintle Dingilizwe: We live in colour, please paint out your childhood, what was that like?
TK Kaula: My childhood was a blend of many highs and lows. I grew up with both my parents and my younger brother Sizwe at my paternal home with my father’s family. The time was during apartheid and political wars. My Maternal family was at Folweni where the violence was rife. They all found refuge and a place of safety at my father’s home and both families lives together due to the situation. My maternal family were made up of mostly soldiers from the MK party and so the boers were always looking for them and barging in at night while we are sleeping. Home had a lot of love and fear.
Zintle Dingilizwe: Growing up in Umlazi, KZN, what aspects of your childhood do you feel played a key role in shaping your passion for storytelling and performance?
TK Kaula: Growing up in Umlazi was very colourful. It was a time where communities needed to revive itself. There were community halls in all sections where the youth would gather for different activies, the gatherings were a very common means of entertainment as at the time most homes didn’t have a television. I would see neighbours forming dance crews, modelling competions, choirs, vocal singers, rappers, poets and all types of art forms. This is where my love for the arts and entertainment was born and I began acting in sketches at the community halls.
Zintle Dingilizwe: Arriving at Wits for the first time to study Dramatic Arts – how was that world and its people?
TK Kaula: Arriving at Wits was the most exciting part of my life. A dream come true and an honour to be afforded the chance to hone my God given talent which is Acting. It was more than what I envisaged from only hearing IsiZulu all my life to now hearing all twelve and other foreign languages daily was a culture shock for me however I was eager to learn about others. The school syllabus was a giant leap from my high school drama class. It entailed lots of theory which I struggled to grasp. I would pass all my performance modules and struggled with all my theory based modules which later lead me to drop out of Wits University. It was at this time when I fell in love with the film industry and behind the scenes where I found my second love which is Video Editing. I further studied and graduated at the Academy of Television and Screen Media.
I now try to balance both Acting and Video Editing to feed my artist child.
Zintle Dingilizwe: Adapting to Johannesburg as the hub for Actors, was it what you imagined?
TK Kaula: Joburg as a hub for actors was not how I expected. I found it to have a lot of hidden rules and I am still learning how to play the game. Even though I never know who to speak to and trust about matters of the industry out of the fear of being misunderstood, misconstrued and blacklisted, I have found a small niche of profound actors who care about the industry and other actors. The community I have now are performers and practitioners who understand the importance of safe spaces for each other and have a shared goal to bring quality performance at all times.
Zintle Dingilizwe: What are some of the activities that you invest in to grow you as an Actor that aren’t typical to what an Actor might focus on?
TK Kaula: I started an events company called Queer day. I’ve created a safe space for black artists especially queers and ally’s. It is an annual event where artist showcase their talent and collaborate with each other. A day filled with networking and alignment. For the artists to socialized with their audience. This passion project brings me so much joy and relief both emotionally and financially.
Zintle Dingilizwe: We’ve seen you on many productions, to name a few: The Puzzle and Ithemba Alilahlwa to MTV Shuga and Isithunzi, which one production stands out for you as having developed you further?
Isithunzi will always have my heart. The story allowed me to do exactly what id hoped one day to do with my acting which is to change peoples perspectives, bring awareness to social issues. The testimonies I’ve received from people who now understand transgenders have been of a positive light.
Zintle Dingilizwe: Being cast-ready is essential for an actor. What are some of the techniques or routines you rely on to stay connected to your craft and always be ready for the next opportunity?
I attend workshops that are at my disposal to connect with other actors, to learn a new skill or replenish an already existing skill. IU find workshops to be very impactful not only to stay prepared for future roles but to also to grow and network across.
Zintle Dingilizwe: What makes a great script for you as an Actor?
The backstory, They story world, The dialogue/lines, I give the character mannerisms and values.
Zintle Dingilizwe: You’ve always been an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. Do you feel that South African film and television are providing enough authentic queer roles, or is there still room for more lead roles and broader representation?
I think we can afford to see more queer people in queer roles. We also need queer lead roles as the gay best friend stance has been overdone.
Zintle Dingilizwe: What are some valuable lessons about the TV and film industry that you’ve learned along the way—lessons you wish you had known earlier in your career?
TK Kaula: I wish I knew that like therapists not every agent is suited for your individual needs as an actor. Finding the right agent is of paramount importance instead of signing with the first agent you find and I am so glad to have found a home at WMG Rep, they really have my best interest at heart and we have a good working relationship
Zintle Dingilizwe: What’s one key life moment that has significantly shaped your career or perspective as an actor?
TK Kaula: My first job the film The Puzzle shaped my career. I was so eager to learn and do my best without focusing on the money and working conditions. I lost that along the way as my needs increased however working on Stout brought me back to the beginning. The production challenged me to bring that hungry child I was when I began acting. Working with the director Denny Miller renewed my drive for the craft and decreased the noise.
Zintle Dingilizwe: Finally, What does Acting mean to you?
TK Kaula: What does Acting Mean to me. Acting is a gift to mirror society, it is who we are now and what we can become.
