Uzor Arukwe say Odogwu role for Love in Every Word bring more money and brand opportunities, but e also make producers request similar characters. Punch report im comments October 29 from CreativiTea, hosted by Lynda Aguocha. Im concern na how successful performance shape work wey people offer afterwards.
For romantic drama, e play Obiora, popularly called Odogwu, wealthy and confident Igbo businessman. Omoni Oboli produce and direct film. Arukwe acknowledge benefit of role wey people strongly connect with am, but e no want that connection become limit of im identity as actor.
E suggest say producers want familiar character because dem believe e fit bring dependable return. Na im interpretation of demand, no be disclosure of production accounts or personal contracts. Im appeal na make dem take creative chance again, just as somebody first take chance on the role.
Actor acknowledge that character get mannerisms audience recognise and e fit increase or reduce performance intensity. But repeating accent or gesture different from building new character reasons inside another story. Familiar style fit therefore help producers and still restrict actor at same time.
Arukwe say e want varied characters, including interesting Igbo roles. So e no reject cultural identity or character wey bring attention. E dey ask for wider possibilities inside profession, instead of expecting every new part to repeat the same figure wey don succeed.
Interview show tension between immediate demand and long-term acting range. Big role fit make actor easier to market but narrow wetin others imagine e fit do. Arukwe want keep opportunities Odogwu create while remaining available for performances wey demand something different from am.