Actor Bern Khobby recently shared his experience performing in Kobina Ansah’s latest play, Saints in A Devil’s Shoes, where he held the stage for over two hours performing a monologue at the National Theatre. Despite his impressive performance, Khobby admitted that maintaining the audience’s attention for such an extended period was a challenge. He explained that it required a combination of mastering his cues, maintaining high energy, and establishing a deep connection with the audience to keep the performance both engaging and believable.
Khobby went on to reflect on the differences between stage and screen acting, emphasizing that stage performances demand a more intense level of focus and endurance. Unlike on-screen acting, where scenes can be retaken, stage performances are live, offering no opportunity for corrections. The actor’s ability to engage with the audience in real-time and sustain energy throughout the performance is crucial, making it a more demanding experience.
Bern Khobby further emphasized the unique energy of live theatre, noting that the direct connection between actors and the audience created a dynamic that was hard to replicate in film or television. He highlighted that in a monologue, where an actor is alone on stage for hours, holding the audience’s attention becomes even more challenging but also rewarding.
He explained that each performance is a one-of-a-kind experience, where the energy of the crowd can either elevate or push the performer to new heights. This immediacy, where there is no opportunity to retake scenes as in film, makes stage acting a much more intense and thrilling experience.
Khobby also pointed out the heightened pressure of live performances. Actors cannot afford to forget their lines or miss cues, and the adrenaline rush that comes with performing in front of a live audience is something that constantly draws him back to stage plays. This raw energy and the demand for perfection in the moment are what make stage acting so captivating for him.#newsafro_
