Actress Sikelelwa Vuyeleni is in her bag and continues to rise as she stars in 1Magic’s new drama series titled 1802: Love Defies Time. The series, which was released on the 1st of May on 1Magic, tells a love story told in isiXhosa. It follows two star-crossed lovers as they travel through life in search of their destiny.
Nobukhosi ‘Khosi’ Cube, a young doctor, whom the actress plays in the series, accepts Zuko’s proposal of marriage and starts her career as an intern doctor, but in a blink of an eye, destiny calls and she travels back to the 1800s and has to fight for her existence.
While speaking about her character, the actress revealed to BONA magazine that she felt the character of Khosi was drawn to her. ‘I’m starting to think Khosi was drawn to me; she chose me,’ she says. The Adulting actress says that it was a challenge to play the character Khosi due to her not being a doctor nor having lived in the 1800s, however, she enjoys playing Khosi as she gets to be ‘exposed to different layers of her and more things to look out for. I’ve been on a doctor series binge watch mode and looking into the truth of her journey so that I can give her a holistic and realistic approach to life,’ she adds.
Sikelelwa also says that playing the role of Khosi has led to her exploring what she would like to do in the future as a producer behind the scenes. ‘I’m seeing myself grow in the kind of characters I portray from here, where I am challenged in all kinds of ways. I’m also looking to learn so much more behind the scenes and get more involved in the making of the things I’m a part of. This role has already established some light on how some of these things can be achieved.’
What do you hope to bring to the character, and how do you plan to make her unique and memorable?
‘I hope to embody her truth and nothing less. I have put my all into her and am continually working on her to be a fully fledged character/person, and I really think with that alone we already get to find her unique, because aren’t we all, as people? She is quite a fiery woman for the world she finds herself in and that sets her apart.’
What do you think the audience will connect with in your character?
‘I think Khosi represents us (as our generation) right now, especially in the 1800s, so that will be the first point of connection. This I plan to bring out by merely being aware of the differences in time. Another trait I think would be her pain because oh she goes through soooo much – at this point I don’t see her ever catching a break. This I plan to bring out by submitting to Khosi’s truth and struggle in her journey.’
How do you see your character evolving over the course of the series, and what do you hope to explore in future seasons?
‘I see her growing to understand that some things aren’t in her control, that destiny is bigger than her plans or dreams for herself. She grows to see how much her love for people was always part of the plan for a bigger purpose than her chosen career. And that sacrifice is what defines her journey. As for the next seasons, I’d rather we enjoy the journey of this one and live in this moment while exploring how this one ends.’
What sets your character apart from other characters you have played in the past?
‘I think I’ve never gotten a character with sooo many layers and challenges. Khosi has so much going on and she’s in constant struggle and always calculating her next move to spare her life. I’ve never had to put my head down and focus like this. She requires all of me in my portrayal of her. And honestly I’ve never felt so consumed, present and involved with any character before.’
Can you share any interesting behind the scenes moments or challenges you’ve encountered during filming so far?
‘My character has been going through so much and there are moments where she has to be physically challenged, for example running away, fighting and just pulling stunts… I have been having sooo much fun with stretching my body and learning my strengths and limits. And there’s been a very safe space created for this by being guided through it all, my safety being priority. It’s been such a liberating and adventurous experience.’
Catch 1802: Love Defies Time, Mondays – Wednesdays at 20:30 on 1Magic (DStv Channel 103).
