NOLLYWOOD LACKS STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS – ACTRESS, IRETIOLA DOYLE

She has featured in several Nollywood films, Iretiola Doyle, married to ace-actor Patrick Doyle, who recently featured in  EbonyLife’s first feature film, Fifty, speaks to us, on what attracted her to the script and other issues.

WHAT made you accept the script for Fifty?

When I was sent the audition script for the movie; I fell in love with the character because she was exciting and a robust character with many different sides to her, and that caught my attention.

At this stage of my career, I am interested in characters that are resourceful, that I can have fun with. The character was what grabbed me the most.

You mentioned getting an audition script; do you still go for auditions?

Yes, after a while, it is called reading; yes I was called for a reading, I read for the character Elizabeth, and three weeks later, I got a call back for a full script test; few days after I was told that I have gotten the role of Dr Elizabeth.

But at this stage of your career, why should you still be called for script test?

It can work one of  two ways; at this stage of one’s career, and you have been doing something for 20years, and you attain certain level, your ability to act is no longer in question. What they want to see is if you suit the character.

Sometimes, a script is written with a particular actress in mind, ‘ok we are writing this story with Ireti Doyle in mind’ that she can play this character well. Sometimes it is in mind with a top notch actress; Ireti Doyle is not the only top notch actress in the country, so you invite whatever you shortlist is who you consider to be top notch actresses that might fit into that character for a private reading. And you pick the best or someone who is suitable.

This is a story about four women who fall in the age of 50; meaning that any four competent actresses can play those characters. So I don’t think it was written with any particular actress in mind.

Is Elizabeth in any way connected to you as a person?

Not really. What do we have in common; we are professionals, fun loving, we are loyal to our friends. Let me say what is different between us; Elizabeth is unapologetic, she does not apologise for anything. If she wants something, she goes for it, not caring if it bothers you or the next person. It is really not her business.

The flip side of that is that she has values; there are certain lines that she will not cross. So I think that is our main difference. Elizabeth no dey send, me I still dey send.

While shooting, did you foresee the movie to be a hit with the feedback so far?

I always had the feeling that it was going to be a major movie for several reasons; one it is an EL production. EbonyLife is known for a certain professionalism. It was its first feature film, so without a doubt I will bet a year’s salary. Then if you look at the logistic put in place to shot the film; the technical team, all the hands on deck from every single part of the production, it was the best of the best.

A lot of conscious effort was put into the work, so it was not a mistake or flip. So without a doubt I knew it was going to be a big project.

Reviews say a lot of emphasis was placed on the island, promoting just the fine beautiful environment of the country. What do you have to say to this?

Ok what do you say to movies that only show the slum sides of the country? We have had movies that close to an hour all they show is these part of Nigeria; slums, poverty, sadness, and others scenes. Have you ever stopped to ask why they are showing these parts? And not able to balance it.

First of all, do not sit on the sidelines and dictate to a storywriter, producer, writer, on how to dictate or tell a story or what kind of story to tell. It is not your place. You were not there when the idea was conceived.

Go to the cinema to watch the movie; whether it was shot in VI or Okokomaiko is beside the point. The film is unpretentious; are there no high profile people and places in Nigeria? The places we shot in the movie were real; the houses are real. Is Lagos poverty stricken? We did not build a set. Abeg they should leave me alone.

Did you see this movie as a means to speak on a particular topic as a motivational speaker?

No, that is another thing, because I don’t believe that every situation or project have to be publicized or turned into a platform to speak on a particular subject.

We didn’t set out to shoot a film on female circumcision; we are not talking about VVF, rape, or child abuse. Although we do touch on some sub-issues, without giving too much away. This is a story about four beautiful strong women, and this is the beauty of the story and that is another thing that attracted me to this project.

In our industry, there are lack of strong female characters. How many movies do you see that celebrate the African woman because she is strong, intelligent, successful and forward thinking. Most of the female characters you see are witches, so if you are asking me what is the theme of Fifty; the theme of Fifty is strength at whatever age; you can live your life to the fullest at whatever age: you can attain satisfaction and happiness and achievement at whatever age. So don’t go looking for some deep sanctimonious message. If you want that, go to church on Sunday.