Ronke Adekoluejo
Interviewed by: Felicia Fasano, CSA
1) Has there been a Casting Director that has encouraged and/or supported you in your career?
My journey so far has been glittered with superstar CDs that love, elevate and grow me to be the storyteller I am. I must honour Isabella Odoffin, Kharmel Cochrane, Nina Gold and Jina Jay, Felicia Fasano, Arthur Carrington, Amy Ball and Jacob Sparrow.
Isabella Odoffin- I met when I was young, green and desperate. She comforted and reassured me then, even when I was harassing her phone line. Kharmel Cochrane has always shown me I am capable of telling ANY story. She challenges, expands and uplifts me as a storyteller, she also knows how to create the safest space for anyone to be themselves. Nina Gold, the champion. Always hungry for me to do more, always pushing me forward.
Jina Jay, sat down with me on zoom during covid times and told me I have to keep the bar high for myself and not to worry, not to rush. I cherish those words deeply. Felicia Fasano, is the reason I’m writing this now. She has nourished my soul, my heart and my stomach. Meeting Felicia feels like turbulent waters are now calm. Arthur Carrington and Amy Ball are my beacons of light, over at the Royal Court and beyond. I spent over a year doing plays at the court in my journey, and it was exceptional. It was life-affirming and it wouldn’t have been if not for Amy and Arthur keeping me around.
2) What work are you most proud of?
Honestly, the ones I’m yet to do.
Storytelling is such a gift. Each time a new story, lover, journey, home is at your door. The craft of what we do inspires me and I’m excited about the stories that will mesmerize, challenge and elevate me. I’m so proud of the work I’m yet to tell. I’m always most proud of how I can level up my work. Like Jina Jay told me, I must keep the bar high for myself.
I try to do that every time. I’m currently in ‘Dreamers’ written and directed by Joy Gharoro-Akpotorjor. Set in a detention centre, investigating life, love and ambition of the detainees. I’m proud of this project, because of how it manifests in my body. There’s a shift when a character feels so far away from self. But the shift is not negative, in fact I’m grateful for it. I try to be an upbeat optimist. To be open and present and loving. The shift within is that I’m recognizing that the ‘positive’ verbs I use for myself is privilege. The character of Isio is closed and fearful, because her life experience has caused her to not trust, she’s trapped until love appears in her life. I’m exploring the realm of loss and void, especially when it’s all you know. Where does the strength to continue on, come from?
I’m always particularly proud of my stage work. My journey in theatre has been ignited by incredible artists’ who I hold so dear to my heart.
3) What or who inspired you to pursue acting as a career?
My mother, first and foremost. She is a better storyteller than me, any day. She’ll definitely add new bits, but she’s the best actor in the world. A fearless, formidable, but caring woman who has lived many lives and played many roles and won many hearts. After my mother, Angela Bassett & Loretta Devine. From the first time I watched ‘Waiting to Exhale’ I’ve been in awe and deep admiration ever since, watching her in ‘Woman Thou Art Looser’, ‘PValley’, ‘Crash’. Loretta is magical and magnificent.
4) What was your first IMDBPro credit and how did you feel when you saw it?
I can’t remember what my very first credit was, but I remember when I watched my parents watch me on TV for the first time. They just smiled, and my stomach felt like sunlight.
5) How has IMDBPro helped you market yourself to filmmakers?
It’s super handy to use for research, in terms of creating my own work and finding more work of other industry professionals such as cinematographers. I love using IMDbPro for that.
6) Any funny casting room stories?
Too many to think of - but more recently, my recall for Rain Dogs, my hair was locked and long at that time. I would decorate my locs with metal beads. I thought I was being a little flashy. Of course, I was using them to support the story and they started to gain momentum in one of the takes. Next thing, the metal bead had swung itself into my mouth mid-sentence, almost choking me. I spat it back out though. Not very classy, but at least I’m here.
7) Tell us a fun fact about you outside of acting:
I’m falling in love with neuroscience. Also, I knit projects (that I don’t complete), I skate (quads), I read (A lot! Book suggestions are always welcome). I can also ride a push bike with no hands!
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