Entertainment

Sophie Lichaba breaks down her Lockdown character

The cat is out of the bag! Award-winning Actress Sophie Lichaba has joined the cast of Mzansi’s Award-winning prison series Lockdown and this week she spared a moment to speak to ZAlebs about the series’ 5th season which is now available for streaming exclusively on Showmax. Known for its riveting and suspenseful storylines, unpredictable plot-twists and heart-breaking tragedies, the show always promises a rollercoaster ride and Season 5 of Lockdown will be no different.

Lockdown features a stellar all-female cast and is set in the dingy, gritty and cut throat confines of the Thabazimbi Correctional Facility. The series explores the lives of women from different walks of life who are behind bars and where survival is the order of the day.

Sophie Lichaba

This season a new personality is thrown into the mix. In 2019 it was announced that Sophie Lichaba would be joining Lockdown’s strong roster and we were excited to speak to her ahead of her debut on the show. Sophie plays the role of Palesa, a nurse at Kgotsong Asylum who is ready to wreak havoc in the facility. Palesa is a nurse with a scar on her mouth and can best be described as a broken woman who is going through a lot after a divorce. Despite this, she still wants to be loved.

Two weeks ago we first saw Palesa on the Lockdown Season 5 trailer where she was seen talking to a new patient in a voice and with facial expressions that will give your skin goosebumps. She looks as if she is ready to cause more trouble as she lifts a needle and one has an idea of the suspense that grips this exciting storyline. Speaking to ZAlebs about her new character she expressed her contentment and described the new role as a dream come true. She holds great admiration for the talented cast too. Sophie beamed as she said

Sophie Lichaba

“I’m excited to join the show, this season is going to be a rollercoaster ride because they have introduced new characters like me and the storyline has changed a lot, it’s been my dream to be part of this star-studded show”.

We asked her to delve a little deeper and tell us more about her character, Palesa: Palesa is in a space where there are people around her who are not mentally well (asylum patients) and she’s nursing a broken heart on top of that. How is she supposed to heal from a husband that still forces her to do bad things simply because she still loves him?”.

Sophie Lichaba

The star said she is not far from her character in reality because she has also been depressed and sick in life. Sophie also weighed in on the recent debate about the exploitation of actors which saw veteran actress Vatiswa Ndara penning an open letter to the Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, about what she alleged was the exploitation of actors in the industry; including poor remuneration and working conditions.

Sophie Lichaba

Sophie said “It’s it not a debate about finances but the treatment. It’s about understanding and fixing the worst conditions under which our performers have to operate. South Africa’s production companies can sometimes be accused of downplaying SA talent; they don’t treat them like the kings and queens they are. They don’t see their worth. She said she even had to decline job offers because they didn’t value her experience in the industry and worth.

In other news – Nambitha Ben-Mazwi on playing crazy Shaqueesha on #TheQueenMzansi

Fans of The Queen have applauded Nambitha Ben-Mazwi for helping to debunk stereotypes around mental illness through her character Shaq. Watching this week’s episodes is such a mental trip. Portraying this role took a lot out of me.

Nambitha Ben-Mazwi

Wow. I love what I do. And the empathy I now have for those suffering with paranoid schizophrenia is on another level. I merely lived this for a few weeks,” the actress shared. Read more

Source: Zalebs