Roeline revels in playing the minister’s wife in Diepe waters

Roeline Daneel, known for her roles in Fraksie, Binnelanders and Fynskrif and the winner of the Best Actress in a Short Film for As at last year’s Silwerskermfees, makes an appearance in Diepe waters where she plays the role of the prim and proper pastor’s wife, Ria.

Watch Roeline Daneel's first scene in Diepe Waters:

The declining numbers in congregations are a concern for many churches, and this issue is addressed this week in Diepe waters when Sanet (Nadia Valvekens) and her minister-fiancé Ben (Eric Bouwer) find out their congregation, Boskruin, and a neighbouring congregation, Môreson, must merge. Sanet, eager to fulfil the role of the minister’s wife, invites the pastor couple from Môreson for dinner, but she quickly realises that the other Mrs. Minister is not going to give up her role and their congregation easily.

Roeline, tell us more about your character.

Ria’s husband, Izak, played by Francois Coetzee, is the pastor at Môreson. Her and Sanet’s paths cross when they are both forced to fight for the survival of their respective congregations and the careers of the men in their lives. Ria comes across as somewhat harsh and cold, but behind her defenses is a woman and mother who loves her neighbours and has a few secrets of her own.

What did you enjoy most about playing Mrs. Minister?

I love the role! I laughed my head off at the war between Ria and Sanet and the awful things they bark at one another while sitting with teacups in hand. Everything about Ria is slightly over the top. So, I could use my theatre background to colour in her character.

Do you approach a role differently if it’s a drama series, film, soap opera or telenovela?

Not really. One prepares as thoroughly as possible, tries to understand the character as best as possible, and in the end, you just hope it comes across. There are, of course, stylistic differences between the various genres, but the core remains the same.

You and Nadia have acted opposite each other in a radio drama before. Is this the first time in front of the cameras?

This is the first time I met Nadia on a TV set, yes. It was such a privilege to act opposite such a professional actress. She worked hard during the time I was there and never missed a beat. You can tell she’s TV-fit! We also had a lot of fun and laughs between scenes.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

I’m still finding my feet after the birth of my second child, Jan, at the end of last year. [Roeline and her husband, Werner Lotz, are also parents to four-year-old Alexa.] I’ve had a few small TV and film roles, and I’m currently working on a radio drama.

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