By Danson J Kireti
“Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead.” -Hans Christian Andersen
Working the same position, in the same company for a long duration can be monotonous. Twenty three years in the hospitality industry can lead to boredom. This is the job Florence Nduta was confined to before she discovered her prowess of turning otherwise active people into couch potatoes. Florence Nduta plays Edith in Lies That Bind. A role of a second wife to the late Richard Juma, she fights for her son Joseph to take over the running of her late husband’s company.
Before this break, acting never crossed her mind. Not for a moment. Then she stumbled upon Spielworks and her amazing story began. One could say she is a natural. “I had never done stage plays before, not in Nursery school nor Sunday school” she says. This is what transpired. She was informed by her agent of an audition for an upcoming TV series Lies That Bind that was to be held at the Kenya National Theatre. She was to take her daughter Nelly Lina Wanjiku. As they queued cramming their lines, Wanjiku Mbugua [Head of Art Department Spielworks] spotted her.
Wanjiku Mbugua and Florence Nduta were both featured in the True Love Magazine
She was asked to try out the role of Edith but she declined. She believed she was past her prime, by far the only actress in her 40s. Her comfortable as manager in a big bank and her pride wouldn’t let her participate in such a demeaning exercise. Wanjiku was persistent and she fell for her charm. “I got my lines in a jiff and was in for a take. I told the judges of my zero acting experience and my fulltime employment but I would take my chances”. They were impressed. She was assured of a call. “I was thinking in my head. That’s what we tell everyone at interviews then you are never called”. As one can imagine, the call from Spielworks shocked her. After three days of training, clearly a quick study, Edith the drama queen was born.
Bass Guitarist Ted Mwangi and her mum Florence Nduta
Landing a lead role especially for a first timer is no piece of cake. Spielworks had faith in her. After featuring in Season 1, she bagged the award for Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama in the Kalasha 2012. Seeing herself on TV mesmerized her. She always watches her act to date. The reception to her acting was overwhelming, way beyond her expectations. She even earned recognition beyond the Kenyan borders. “I talk to my international fans. They appreciate the effort I display on screen. I thank God for the free talent that has enabled me to leave a lasting impression on people’s lives”. She sure has a blessed and talented family with son Ted Mwangi who sings and has also played the bass guitar for Mercy Myra and Eric Wainaina.
Florence holding the trophy she won for Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama {Lies That Bind} in the Kalasha 2012
Since Lies That Bind, Florence has been busy. In mid-2014, she was cast in several Africa Magic Original Films (AMOF) under the auspices of the Mnet movie project. She has also featured in Fundimentals-a short comedy film by quaky director Alex Konstantaras of Historia Films coming out soon. Playing different roles effortlessly is why she loves acting.
Florence Nduta in Fundimentals
“Spielworks has had a great impact on my growth as an actress. If it were not for them I would not be where I am today. They have been very patient with me. Teaching me everything I needed to know to get me where I am”.
So, why don’t you try the road less traveled like Florence. Life is a conundrum. Tomorrow is a myth. Break some rules. Get a tattoo. Go to the Mara. Try some fine dining, even once. Live life. Make new friends. After all, like sand through the hourglass so are the days of our lives.
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