Bennett stages a comeback: Popular SA telenovela villian returns to theatre as a skollie in Baxter show
The charismatic Christian Bennett is no stranger to our screens, playing all sorts of villains, but the actor brings a different kind of criminal to life in his latest outing at the Baxter Theatre.
Orphans is Bennett’s first theatre production in over a decade.
It tells the story of two brothers who have their lives disrupted when they abduct a mysterious wealthy businessman, Harold (played by Abduragman Adams).
Orphans is set in a house in Gympie Street, Woodstock and Bennett plays older brother Treat, a violent pickpocket.
He delivers an award-winning emotionally challenging performance – Treat is a skollie with a good heart and not shy to show his emotions.
“Treat is different in that he has his dark side, but he loves his brother so much that he is prepared to do anything to protect him including not allowing him to go outside. Treat needs to be in control and be the father figure,” Bennett said.
When asked what draws on to deliver powerful performances feelings night after night, the actor got goosebumps.
“Thanks to the director Christo Davids for stripping me of my TV acting habits and rebuilding me, because I haven’t done theatre in over 10 years, although it is my first love. Christo basically oiled the machine again,” said Bennett.
“I lost my dad in 2019 and shortly afterwards two very close friends died, so in a short time, I lost three people dear to me.
“When Treat gets into that closet on stage night after night, I can feel my father’s presence.”
Bennett also plays Emile “Mielo” February in the telenovela, Arendsvlei – the heartless villain who goes to extremes to get what he wants.
“Hailing from Belhar, the heart of the ghetto, I play these characters naturally. I know a Treat and I know an Emile from my days in Extension 13,” he added.
Bennett reveals his love for the performing arts started with the Apostolic Church choirs.
“I was always in a choir, at some point in my life I was in four different choirs.”
The Northlink College drama and music graduate has a slew of films in the pipeline but would only reveal: “I am part of The Umbrella Men 2 cast and starring in a Hollywood movie called The Fix with Grace Van Dien in the lead – enough said!”
And did you know Bennett is handy with a make-up brush?
“One of my favourite subjects was actually make-up, I recently did my sister’s make-up for her wedding, and I do my own face when I do caricatures of Gabieba – my TikTok character,” he said.
Orphans runs at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio until October 28.
Book at www.webticket.co.za/baxtertheatre.
dailyvoice@inl.co.za