SOMERSET WEST – With roles in several recent local films and television series, locally born and bred actress Jane de Wet seems to be a hot commodity for filmmakers at the moment.
Aged 24, she has a long list of roles behind her, despite having no formal training, and hopes the experience she has gained in film and on TV and stage will help her fulfil her dream of one day reaching international renown. But for now, she is just basking in the glory of being part of the recently released film Griekwastad.
The movie is based on a true-life triple murder that took place in Griekwastad in the Northern Cape in April 2006. Fifteen-year-old Don Steenkamp was apparently the sole survivor of a farm attack on his father’s farm, Naauwhoek. His parents Deon and Christel were brutally murdered, and sister Marthella was raped and killed, while he came off virtually unscathed after hiding in a shed.
But his appearance and gaping holes in his story are questioned by the lead investigator, Dick de Waal, and following a lengthy investigation, the teenager’s arrest and a gruelling trial, Steenkamp is eventually convicted of the murder of his parents and younger sister.
De Wet plays the role of 14-year-old Marthella, whom she describes as “sweet and smart”. “She is widely adored by her peers and community and is, without doubt, the apple of her father’s eye,” she says. “Marthella has a strong familial love for her brother and best friend, Don.”
Griekwastad, based on the book of the same title, an account of the murders by Jacques Steenkamp, is directed by Jozua Malherbe and stars many local favourites, including Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo as the lead detective.
De Wet enjoyed being part of the small cast. “We all got to know each other intimately and the environment was extremely supportive and calm. The serene landscape definitely contributed to the sense of unity, away from the real world.
“Of course, there is perceived pressure when you’re cast with such talented veterans. However, I’ve learnt that being nervous means you care; it means the work you’re doing is important and will most likely grow you. It was an immense learning opportunity.”
As with any tragic role, De Wet had to overcome several hurdles when playing Marthella, but she took these as an opportunity to capture who the teenager really was aptly. “Telling someone’s story, especially one that speaks of trauma and darkness, is both a huge responsibility and challenge,” she says.
“It demands sensitivity towards the people who knew her and the subject matter generally. Marthella was a victim of many crimes and telling her story truthfully required me to delve deep in my body of emotions.”
De Wet hopes people watching Griekwastad will discover that telling stories, no matter how heartbreaking, brings freedom and opens conversations. “Through talking and connecting honestly and openly, we often find commonality. Isn’t that something we’re all longing for – a sense of being understood?”
The actress is no stranger to various art forms, although she chose not to further her studies in any of the disciplines. She was first introduced to performance through dance at age seven at De Hoop Primary School and vividly recalls her first role as the Little Fairy in her first stage role in the school revue at age 10.
She continued dancing and acting at high school, at Parel Vallei, until 2014, participating in school plays, eisteddfods and revues. “I’m a dancer and actress. I started modern dance training at the age of seven and my repertoire later grew to include contemporary, ballet, jazz and Latin American dance.
“Throughout my school and university years I did every exam, eisteddfod and show available. I also danced for the Stormers and in the Indian Premier League. Dancing was my introduction to performing, but my love for theatre soon grew. The stage is my safe space, my home.”
She graduated with a BCom in Management Sciences from Stellenbosch University in 2017, but followed her heart into the arts after her studies.
She starred in stage productions such as WolkKop and Drif by Mari Borstlap, as well as the music extravaganza Au Revoir. Her career in film started in 2017, when she was cast in the Showmax flick The Girls from St Agnes, which she credits as her most memorable experience.
“I played the part of Lexi and the film will always have a special place in my heart, as it was my introduction to film. I felt a combination of nerves and excitement on my first day on set, which almost instantly were translated into fulfilment and the utter conviction that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Since then, De Wet was cast in the movies Griekwastad, Moffie, Rage and Parable as well as the television series Trackers, Projek Dina and Still Breathing. She also performed in the opera Die Vertrek last year.
“The arts are the only way I know how to make sense of life, a way to express humanity and feelings,” De Wet ardently says. “It’s how people can enhance their understanding of one another, their lives and purpose. I find immense liberty and joy in that.”
She is mesmerised and motivated by Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan, whom she names her role-model and “one of the most talented actresses of our time”. “She’s extremely smart and unapologetically herself, not interested in branding herself or sharing private details. She’s known only for her brilliant work. I respect that.”
Just what does the future hold for this gifted actress? “I finished filming a new series for BBC America in February, which will screen later this year. The Covid-19 pandemic has placed all other projects are on hold. I really have no idea what the future holds; hopefully a lot more TV and film work, both locally and internationally.”
. Griekwastad was released on DStv’s Box Office on Tuesday 5 May.
