The Formidable Zenobia Kloppers

Zenobia Kloppers – a multi-talented actress, an intelligent playwright, exceptional vocalist and above all else, a Namibian.

Kloppers has engraved her name in the entertainment industry and although it may have seemed there was not much more the artist could do, she was recently named the lead in the remake of the classic South African film ” directed by Brett Michael Innes.

If you’ve grown up in an Afrikaans home, the novel written by Dalene Matthee would’ve been a part of your parents’ personal library and you would have seen the 1988 movie on television. South African actress Shaleen Surtie-Richard was cast as Fiela Komoetie in the original, delivering an unforgettable performance as the adoptive mother of her white son, Benjamin Komoetie.

This title and its actors have been forever inscribed in the Afrikaans hall of fame. Kloppers has big shoes to fill and we’ve no doubt she will do so effortlessly. The South African-based actress talks to The Weekender about her journey from a Windhoek youngster dreaming of the stage to actually conquering it.

For the Coloured community who grew up or attended school in Khomasdal, the name Kloppers is esteemed and regarded highly within the education sector. Kloppers attended Gammams Primary School, where her grandmother Richardine Kloppers – wife of political activist Andrew Kloppers, and who founded the St Andrew’s school on Richardine Kloppers Street (former Borgward Street), Khomasdal – taught.

Kloppers attended The Holy Cross Convent as well from Grade 3 and finished her secondary school at St Paul’s College. With two younger brothers and a large extended family, Kloppers says her home was always a musical one.

“Both my parents (Andy and Alfreda) are very musical – they play the piano and sing beautifully together. Both my extended families love music and are natural comedians,” she says, adding that she was often given the role of family entertainer from a young age to perform songs and dramatic skits.

Kloppers knew then she’d always wanted to be a performer. “I remember my first performance at primary school where I played a Japanese girl in a musical at the Holy Cross Convent. My first lead was playing the part of Jesus in Sister Arnolda’s ‘Passion Play’ when I was in Grade 7,” she says, remembering one of the Convent’s most well-known play directors.

She always knew she would end up in arts although she first took a different course in her tertiary education. “You can’t deny something when God places a gift within you – whether it’s being an accountant, doctor or performer. It keeps knocking until you answer.”

Kloppers was introduced to arts at a young age starting piano lessons with the “wonderful Retha-Louise Hofmeyr” before she became the director of arts for Namibia. Hofmeyr couldn’t be any prouder. She took to Facebook when the news of Kloppers role in the upcoming movie broke. “So proud of the talented Zenobia Kloppers. She was my piano student in the 80s and was already a star back then.”

Kloppers later took up menteeship under Namibian greats such as renowned choral musician Ernst van Biljon and saxophonist Jeanette Harris. “After completing school, I went to study acting and classical singing at the University of Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch Conservatoire, respectively,” she says.

“My professional debut was in my final year of music studies at the Conservatory in the first Afrikaans musical called ‘Antjie Somers’. The musical was directed by acclaimed director Hannes Muller, with music by the amazing Didi Kriel. It was a great show and we premiered at the KKNK when that festival was still in its infancy,” Kloppers recounts. She mentions that the ball started rolling once she got herself an agent and started attending auditions. Before the film, Kloppers played the role of Fiela on stage under the direction of Sandra Prinsloo.

Not only an accomplished actress on stage, give Kloppers a pen and paper and she can make magic happen. “The first play I wrote, ‘, was very blessed in that we achieved great success with it. We had wonderful reviews and travelled to all the main festivals with it. Thereafter, I was cast in a musical, ”, with Randall Wicomb. That was incredible since we performed his original songs based on Adam Small poems,” she says.

Kloppers mentions other standout productions she’s been a part of namely creating the character of Dina (Dinah) in the David Kramer/Taliep Petersen musical ”. “We travelled with that production for three years to critical acclaim.”

She’s also played Sara ‘Saartjie’ Baartman in Braam van der Vyver’s play, ‘Sarah’, an experience she says was deeply moving.

“One of the most memorable radio dramas was playing the lead in under the direction of the legendary Margot Luyt. There are quite a few more, but these stand out.”

Kloppers has gained the respect of her peers in the industry with the sheer amount of talent and determination she possesses, as well as how much work she has dedicated to honing her craft. Fellow actor, South African Stefan Erasmus, also beamed with excitement online. “Credit to ” film for this post. Zenobia Kloppers is phenomenal! So much love and respect,” he wrote, while founder of The Saturday Varsity Film Academy and actor Abdu Adams said the role was hers for the taking.

The experienced actress notes that the greatest challenge she and many other entertainers face is the lack of financial security the industry provides. “Almost all performers do other work as well – some of us teach or write, among other things.”

However, she also states that there are benefits in the beauty of creating art. “The gratification of creating something beautiful gives others joy or helps to add depth to the experience of living,” she says.

“Most people get so caught up in work and the daily grind of life. Seeing a play, a musical or even watching a soapie or film provides people a much-needed escape into another reality where they can laugh, cry, dream and maybe learn a little something about others or themselves,” Kloppers adds.

Kloppers is beyond honoured to play Fiela in the upcoming film as the role has been a part of her for longer than a decade. She played the role on stage 10 years ago, under Prinsloo, and early last year she was approached to stand in for Surtie-Richards for two weeks in the Frans Swart stage production at Carnival City. “As an actor, we are vehicles through which the character’s story is told. And we honour the character by letting them speak through us. There can, therefore, be no ego or fear involved – the character chooses you, not the other way around,” she says.

The actress encourages aspiring performers to create their own footsteps, be true to themselves and always work towards what they want if being an artist is all they ever dream about.

“Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking at your door – create your own art, your own characters, and your own shows. Performing is not about fame. So don’t become a performer to be famous. Do it because you can’t breathe without it.”