Omari makes acting debut in 'Confessions'
Published:Sunday | September 21, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Gospel artiste Omari has made his acting debut in a new locally produced play called Confessions. The artiste, who has written books and even took part in a gospel sound clash in the past, says acting is a new occupation which he wants to add to his ever-growing résumé.
"I love the experience and I think I want to take it even further. I don't want this to be the first and the last because I am willing to take on any challenge, that's just who Omari is," the singer said.
Confessions was written by David Tulloch, directed by veteran comedian/actor Michael 'Stringbeans' Nicholson and produced by Winter Storm production. Other notable actors who take part in the plot are Maxwell 'Bashy' Grant, Akeem Forrester, David Crosskill, among others.
Confessions opened at the Green Gables Theatre on September 13 to a full house, and will continue until the end of this month, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the same location.
According to Omari, the early support from fans of local plays has been encouraging. He also told The Sunday Gleaner that he is satisfied with his performance, despite not having prior acting experience.
"The opening night was great ... very, very great and the persons who came out thoroughly enjoyed it. When I was there, and to see the persons enjoying themselves, was definitely heart-warming," he said.
The artiste also admitted that it takes more discipline and effort to execute an acting role than to perform onstage as a recording artiste. While not appearing to be ready to give up his day job in order to become a full-time actor, the gospel artiste expressed pride at being given the opportunity to dabble in another aspect of the performing arts.
"I have developed a totally different respect for actors, because now I realise the level of work that goes into the final product. You have to learn the script, you have to understand the script, learn you lines and then you have to become your character. So it's a whole lot, it's not as simple as learning a song and singing it. You have to be able to hold a character and learn to hold that character consistently ... so even if Omari has a different personality, I have to hold the character I am playing at all times," he said.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
The artiste says Confessions is clean, and can be viewed by the entire family. He is also encouraging persons to support the play, citing that the $1,000 admission charge is worth the entertainment value. Tickets for the play will be sold at the venue.
Following this month's showcase at Green Gables Theatre, Confessions will embark on an islandwide tour before eventually moving on to venues in the United States and the United Kingdom.