Why I dumped banking job to become actress – Meg Otanwa

Weekend Magazine: You were part of a stage production on the Chibok Girls. Could you tell us about it? Meg Otanwa: ‘The Chibok Girls- Our Story’ is a testimonial theatre based on the curious circumstances preceding the kidnapping of the girls from the secondary school in Chibok, the event itself and its aftermath. It was […]

Weekend Magazine: You were part of a stage production on the Chibok Girls. Could you tell us about it?
Meg Otanwa: ‘The Chibok Girls- Our Story’ is a testimonial theatre based on the curious circumstances preceding the kidnapping of the girls from the secondary school in Chibok, the event itself and its aftermath. It was produced by the Renegade Theatre and directed by the renowned stage director, Wole Oguntokun. It stars me and a few other actors alongside three of the real victims of the unfortunate incident.

WM: Did you get to interact with the girls? How did their stories impact on you personally, if you did?
Otanwa: It was a very difficult period for me personally, because I not only got to hear their stories, I got to see them, eat with them, touch them and work with them. What was astonishing was their bravery; these young girls are brave, strong and intelligent. Like you and I, they have dreams and are resolved to making something out of themselves as they continue to pray for the safe return of their friends and school mates. It shows that, no matter where we are from or who we are, our dreams are valid.

WM: What gave you your break in Nollywood?
Otanwa: That’s quite a difficult one, I have been blessed to be a part of some notable productions that each came with recognition and critical acclaim. Left to me though, I would say it’s the TV series ‘Before 30.’

WM: Of stage and screen, which do you enjoy more?
Otanwa: Honestly, I enjoy both tremendously. With stage you get a feel of your audience as it is live. It’s large and amplified. I enjoy the rush and the fact that I’m able to get an instant feedback from the audience. It is also a good training ground as there are no rooms for mistakes, no second takes. While on screen, it is very subtle and heavily dependent on reactions. I enjoy the intimacy that the screen provides. The camera represents the audience so it’s like the audience is right in your face and can read the slightest expression on your face. They are both fun for me.

WM: What are the three things you always have on you asides your phone?
Otanwa: A hand sanitizer, my wallet and my key.

WM: You are part of the cast of the new TV series, ‘Before 30,’ what’s the experience of that away from doing a regular feature film?
Otanwa: ‘Before 30’ was such a blessing. I had been acting for years before I did ‘Before 30’ but the projects were not on the scale. ‘Before 30’ took about two years to make if not more, a lot of planning went into it even before the actual production commenced, we were in workshops working with the director and getting to know our characters. It is a bit different from the regular movies which are often times low budget and doesn’t allow for long duration of shoot.

WM: Please tell us about your character and how easy or difficult it was playing the role.
Otanwa: In ‘Before 30,’ I play the role of Aisha. She is young northern Nigeria lady in her late 20s married to a billionaire business man. Aisha is nice and kind hearted, however she is torn between living the life of an exposed and well-educated woman and the life of a conservative Muslim wife. It was awesome being Aisha because it was a character that I knew and understood too well.

WM: You worked as a banker before going into the movie industry. Why did you quite banking for entertainment?
Otanwa: Yes I worked at The African Development Bank before I moved back home to join the industry. I quit my job at the time because I felt it was about time for a new phase of my life to commence.

WM: Which is more fun for you?
Otanwa: Unfortunately they are two fields that can’t be compared .

WM: Breaking into the industry with auditions and all, which was your most unpleasant experience?
Otanwa: Oof! Auditions were pretty tough back then. I remember one time when I got to an audition venue and from afar I could see people pushing and shoving just to get through the gate and at some point the organizers started throwing scripts from the top floor for actors to scramble for. It wasn’t a pleasant sight at all. I turned right back, got into the car and went back home. Thank goodness, things are much better now in the industry in general.

WM: You are relatively new in the industry. What does it feel like being starring in big movies like ‘October 1?’
Otanwa: Well I’ve been acting for five years; I wouldn’t exactly call myself a new bee. However, I do acknowledge and appreciate every stride that I’ve made so far. It was a humbling experience being a part of a production like ‘October 1’ as I got to work with some of the industry veterans.

WM: You have starred alongside Nollywood giants like Kunle Afolayan and also RMD. What does that feel like?
Otanwa: It’s a very humbling feeling. RMD is someone I grew up watching and admired. So, to get to work with him on a big production as ‘Hush,’ I feel blessed.

WM: Were there times you felt like quitting with your experiences at auditions?
Otanwa: Not at all, I came into the industry determined not to cut corners but to start from the bottom up. And today I’m grateful to be where I am and where God is taking me.

WM: What kept you going if there were such times?
Otanwa: Passion and determination.

WM: What have been your most frightening and your most exciting experiences yet?
Otanwa: Frightening… hmmm, maybe times when we shot in not so safe areas with no security or police protection. Exciting… I’m excited at every opportunity I get to embody a character. I wake up these days excited to go on the set of ‘Hush’ and be Koko.

WM: What informs your fashion sense?
Otanwa: My mood.

WM: What would you say is your ultimate goal in life?
Otanwa: To live a life of purpose and positively impact the world around me.

 WM: What attracts you to a script?
Otanwa: Pictures! I know this sounds funny, but I read in pictures.

WM: Is there anyone in the industry you look forward to working with and why this person?
Otanwa: Oh! there are a number of them, I definitely have a list of directors and actors that I would like to work with, mainly because they are great at what they do.