Mandela actors bond on 'Robben Island' in Joburg

15 May 2016 - 02:00 By SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER

"Write a cheque of what you think you are worth and then triple it. That's what God thinks you are worth." Those are some of the words of wisdom imparted by Hollywood star Laurence Fishburne to South African actor Rajesh Gopie during the filming of Madiba - the six-part television mini-series for BET Networks.Gopie, a stage actor who has also been in Scandal and Generations, has landed the plum role of a young Mac Maharaj. Fishburne, of Matrix and more recently Batman vs Superman fame, has been cast as Mandela.The series, being shot in Johannesburg, is based on two Mandela books, Conversations With Myself and Nelson Mandela: By Himself.Mandela's grandson Kweku Mandela is the executive producer of the series, while Prison Break's Kevin Hooks is the director.story_article_left1The series, scheduled for release in the US next year, portrays the story of a younger Mandela during the early '60s as he deals with the political unrest engulfing South Africa.Gopie auditioned for the part of Maharaj but wasn't sure he was going to get it."As a professional actor you audition all the time. You get some, you don't get some. It's the nature of the business," he says."Mac was a close ally to Mandela on Robben Island. It's a noticeable role and it helps to work with the many good actors, including David Harewood of Homeland fame."The crew has been working mainly in Johannesburg for the past two months, and recreated parts of Robben Island."That's the idea to keep it all locked to one city. Of course the magic of film effects can turn Joburg mine dumps into lime quarries on Robben Island."Gopie says he has never really hankered after Hollywood because he loves working in South African film."In this case Hollywood has come home to South Africa."Gopie is not sure when the series will hit South African TV screens. "These things take time. You know, this business has many factors when it comes to release dates and flighting schedules."story_article_right2He is enamoured with Fishburne. "It's been wonderful. He is a great actor and more importantly a great guy. It's been a privilege to 'hang out' with him. We laughed a lot, he and I."Gopie also posted about Fishburne on Facebook: "We were called onto set and he said to me close up: 'Write a cheque of what you think you are worth and then triple it. That's what God thinks you are worth.'"It was a moving moment. It was personal, intimate, amazing."During their downtime, he's engaged in animated conversations with Fishburne. "Here I was in the company of this great actor and he really gave me time and energy."As a professional he has his craft down pat. He is so confident and intuitive and he spoke about his spiritual awareness from a young age. He also spoke about living rough and drinking too much in his 20s and how he was able to turn that around," said Gopie...

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