Sello Maake Ka-Ncube is one of the most celebrated actors of our time. Not because he’s been around for a long time but because he’s one of the best at what he does. But even for a legend like Sello, the learning doesn’t stop. Sello Maake Ka-Ncube opens up about how his deaf daughter made him a better actor.
In a recent interview with Anele, Sello shared that his most ‘heart-warming’ performance he has ever given was one where his daughter didn’t have to lip-read.
Many hard-of-hearing and deaf people, even if using hearing technology like those discussed in this this Nano Hearing Aid review can find it difficult to follow on with a play. Some actors can speak too quietly or the stage area has poor acoustics making sound difficult to travel. And for those who can’t hear at all, lip-reading is not often enjoyable. Maake Ka-Ncube wanted to change that and make his performance one that his daughter and others like her could enjoy.
“It was the most heart-warming performance because for the first time my daughter did not have to lip-read, because there was an interpreter on stage signing the play for her,” he said.
Sello shared that doing a play that signed for a deaf audience back here at home meant a lot to him and it also made him a better actor. “The thing about it is that because of her deafness, she has to see. A slight a twitch could be that you are angry. Deaf people hear with their eyes.”
The actor explained how his looks should be the one that tell how he feels when performing for a deaf audience. “In order for her (his daughter) to believe me, I have to be truthful all the time.”
