Award-winning actor, Stefan Erasmus, says that starring in a lead role in the new historically inspired film, Silverton Siege, has been the highlight of his career so far.
Silverton Siege follows the dramatic events which took place in 1980 and follows three young freedom fighters who seek refuge in a Volkskas bank, taking the bank and its customers hostage. The price for releasing them? The release of Nelson Mandela.
According to SA History, the actual event includes three armed activists of the ANC’s uMkhoto we Sizwe wing (MK), Humphrey Makhubo, Stephen Mafoko and Wilfred Madela, that were trapped in the bank for six hours before being shot and killed by police. They sparked the Free Mandela movement that changed South Africa forever.
“Before shooting, we visited the gravesites with the families of the trio to pay our respects and ask permission to retell their stories”, says Erasmus. “It was a humbling experience and something I think we should always do before playing historical figures”.
Erasmus stars alongside Thabo Rametsi, Noxolo Dlamini and heavy-weight veteran actor Arnold Vosloo who plays the negotiator, Kaptein Langerman.
“We underwent rigorous MK training before shooting, I had to learn how to handle a gun which was a first for me. Some South African productions don’t allow time for such in-depth training and rehearsal.”
“Being on a Netflix set was amazing, as an actor you feel taken care of and you are given extra opportunity to contribute creatively to the film. We shot for three months in Pretoria, we worked hard, and I had so much fun because of the wonderful atmosphere and people. I feel so grateful to the crew and producers.”
Erasmus studied at the University of Cape Town graduating with a BA in Theatre and Performance. He received the “Beste Akteur” (best actor) Fiesta in 2017 and has appeared in local theatre and film productions including Fiela Se Kind (2019), Trackers (2019) and the lead role in Address Unknown (2020). He is also a budding filmmaker and has made his debut as a scriptwriter and director in 2022 with the KykNet short film “Nagvoël”.
“As a storyteller, it’s an honour to be part of keeping this important story alive and I hope to engage in more work that brings light to South African history.”
Check out the trailer for Silverton Siege below:
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Picture: Supplied