South Africa Thembi Seete at it again as a Seasoned Actress. Thembi Seete is to make her debut on hit drama series Adulting, playing the role of Portia, a middle-aged, rich housewife at her sexual peak.
The actress was announced as one of the new faces for the second season of the show with Samkelo Ndlovu and Nomalanga Shozi. Portia is different to the roles she’s played before, Thembi said.
South Africa Thembi Seete at it again as a Seasoned Actress. “I’ve never played a rich, spoilt and glamorous lady. It’s always been township-based and I like to believe Portia also has a township background because I brought in that element as well. That’s the only part where I felt like this character is bringing something new.
“My intimate scenes have never been this intimate. It felt like it was my first time acting and that’s the beauty of acting. You can’t say you’re comfortable with it because acting introduces you to different characters and different personalities.
The things you get to do are always different. So with this one, it came with a lot of things that shook me a bit and made me uncomfortable. But I also love being uncomfortable.”
Apart from always wanting to work with Tshedza Pictures, Thembi said what made her agree to be a part of the risqué series was wanting to surprise herself and her fans.
South Africa Thembi Seete at it again as a Seasoned Actress. “I know a lot of people will be like, ‘Thembi seems like she’s strict with herself and she’s a good role model’. But, why are we so scared to talk about sex? Why are we scared to talk about intimacy?
I think this stems from our parents because they were never comfortable to talk to us about intimacy. But it should be handled with respect. These are the elements I thought about to say ‘You know what? Sex is not a bad thing. It’s what created us.’”
There are a lot of first-time experiences on set Thembi has had through her portrayal of Portia, but she is grateful to Luthando “BU” Mthembu who plays Vuyani for making her feel comfortable on set.
“He made me comfortable so I don’t think about myself too much. That’s the beauty of acting it allows you to forget about yourself and to wear this character. I was able to put Thembi aside and be about Portia. But it’s also a blessing and a cherry on top when you have a co-actor that is supportive and confident.”
