Actor Emmanuel Ohene Boafo: ‘It felt good. But did it come across?’

Friday December 15, 2023

Talk to me, Kevin…

I’m still not really comfortable with it. I’ve been struggling with my character for weeks. We are rehearsing with Theater Rotterdam for the beautiful piece A Case For the Existence of God by Samuel D. Hunter. It’s about two single fathers who seem to have nothing in common. But as the play progresses they discover that there is indeed something big that connects them. They share the fear of failing in their fatherhood. And that is exactly the starting signal and foundation of their friendship.

Although I feel that my character is close, he is not yet in my body. Kevin, the caring but not completely accommodating mortgage advisor, is quite complex.

Fortunately, I work with great people who patiently work with me: the warm director Erik Whien, the very talented Bram Suijker and the intelligent dramaturge Brecht de Backer.

When rehearsals are over, I go home with a full head. I put the little one to bed and pray for her. My wife already sleeps wonderfully softly after a full day of being a mother.

Me Time. Take a hot shower, put on something warm, pumped milk ready, put on a ‘relaxing ambience’ playlist, dim the lights and allow my thoughts to travel far and wide.

Talk to me, Kevin…

Monday December 18th

Terribly long app

There’s something different this morning. I feel a light one buzz of inspiration, of insight. I’m packing my bag, because I’m staying in Rotterdam for a few nights. That buzz is getting stronger and stronger. I think Kevin communicated with me somehow this weekend.

I can not resist. I stop packing. Grab my phone. Find Erik Whien.

Start tapping. I share everything with him. About the fact that I was looking way too far, even though I look more like Kevin than I would like. Of course, as an actor you want to be able to transform to some extent. But this piece doesn’t ask for that. Kevin asks me how I would react if I were in his shoes. What should I and what should I not show of my inner world? What do I laugh off and what don’t I? I’ll stop for a moment. “My God, Emms, what a long app,” I think to myself. I imagine Erik opening WhatsApp later and seeing my super long message. I chuckle, because I think I know how he will react. At that moment I type: ‘Terribly long app’ with three crying emojis and two laughing ones.

I put the phone down. Pick him up again. Start tapping again. And it goes on and on.

This feels good. I end by asking whether he would mind trying out that more personal approach during the walk-through.

And yes, he is completely on board. Super scary, because soon I will be on stage almost as myself, but… let’s go!

Tuesday December 19th

The walkthrough

Big smile. I already have one of my own anyway, but today it is extra large.

Suit on. Rebekka Wörmann, our wonderful costume designer, immediately noticed that my costume was a bit looser than normal. We give each other a high-five. I have started following a strict diet ‘again’.

Transmit. My microphone is stuck to the side of my face. I’m taking the time to go through my script again. The walkthrough starts like this. Slightly tense, because I’m curious what this new inspiration will do to my character and to the piece.

And BAM. Walk past. It felt good. But did it come across?

I try to read Erik’s face. He looks at me, nods at me. Calls into space: ‘Notes Tomorrow morning!’ That means we’ll get feedback tomorrow.

I think: ‘Was that…? No, let’s rest now Emms. You’ll get your answer tomorrow.’

Wednesday December 20, 2023

Notes

Two weeks until the premiere, including one week of Christmas holidays. I really have to be on the right track now if I want to be able to let everything sink in properly. Smile is not as big as yesterday, but it is there.

Erik starts the notes by stating that major steps have been made. He looks at me and says: “Exactly Emma, ​​this is where Kevin is!” ‘Yes!’, I think to myself. And now continue building!

Majeur erreur, no rows configured for photogrid.

Thursday December 21, 2023

Vanish from my sight

From the eighth floor in Rotterdam’s Bilderberg hotel I see her cycling in the rain. Mother of two, I’m guessing, given the front and rear child seats. The traffic light for cyclists is still red, but she can’t stand it any longer. Wants to cross because there are no more cars… She thought.

But out of nowhere the car came by, honking and seeing her just in time. She immediately hits the brakes. Car continues driving. She stands still. Probably recovering from the shock.

While she waits, I fantasize about her life. A partner who waits for her at home, together with the children. What would these people’s lives have been like if things didn’t end well here? She cycles on, disappearing into the sea of ​​red lights. Wow, this made an impact. So I say a quick prayer for this unknown woman, whom I will never see again.

I open my script. Page 35. KEVIN: ‘She will go into the house, disappear from my sight and I will know in that moment that I will never see her again…’

I’ll make a note.

Friday December 22, 2023

A hint of vanity

Last run through before the holidays. I walk into the room and see a lot of people. The switch from six weeks of rehearsals with a small group of a maximum of five people to more than twenty is immense. Suddenly feels very official.

It’s also the kind of day where I sense a hint of vanity in myself. The day starts with an interview, followed by a photo shoot. There are also five cameras set up because the trailer is being recorded.

I am followed by a photographer from NRC to shoot images. My costume also has to fit extra well today because: cameras. Sound checks. I’m going to go through all my notes again. The lights in the room go out. We get our cue and walk onto the stage. The beautiful music of composer Thijs van Vuure sounds. Oh man, I love my job.

Tuesday January 2, 2024

Of general repetition

Happy new year! Back from a week’s holiday. The dress rehearsal. Three days left before the premiere. Stay calm.

Samuel D. Hunter, author of this piece, is already in the Netherlands. Tryouts are almost sold out. Stay calm. You can keep looking. That’s what tryouts are for.

Notes, then another walkthrough. Must get back into it. Not very. Stay focused. It’s not a premiere yet. Be proud. You have traveled a journey. You have toiled and searched. And soon you can share that. Reminder: this is what you dreamed of as a little boy. So enjoy that, little Emma. Play and enjoy!