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Q: What does being part of Beter as Gister mean to you personally?
Edwin: Being part of Beter as Gister gave me a renewed sense of responsibility as an actor. Having been given the opportunity to portray a single parent raising a child on the autism spectrum challenged me to approach the role with great intention. I became aware that someone watching, might see their own life, or the life of someone they love, reflected on screen. It reminded me that our work as actors and artists isn’t about us. The stories we tell ultimately belong to the people who see themselves in our characters. Lastly, being part of Beter as Gister also taught me patience and adaptability. Working alongside Luna Coetzer, who plays Lilly, encouraged me to let go of the need to control every moment in a scene and instead be fully present. What a joy to work with her!
Q: From a father’s perspective, what similarities do you see between your character on the show and who you are in real life? Are there any values or life experiences that you bring into the role?
Edwin: I’m not yet a father, but I could learn from Eben Strauss and connect to some similarities. His vulnerability. His passion. His obsessions (some great and some not great at all). Even his flaws like falling into the perfectionist trap. Eben has something each of us have. I believe beautifully written characters will have human qualities everyone can relate to in any way. The writers of the show, Corné and René van Rooyen, have done an incredible job with these characters.
Q: What do you hope viewers take away from your character?
Edwin: I do not want viewers to take away something specific. But more than anything, I hope the story encourages people to be open and talk about what they are going through. Even if they disagree. On playing this character, I know I needed counsel way more! When last did we as grownups put on a costume and have a water gun fight with our children to make their day? (Hinting to one of the scenes coming in one of the episodes.)
Missed the first few episodes? Catch up on Beter as Gister on DStv Catch Up and watch new episodes every Tuesday at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144).
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