Since her graduation in 2019, PALI alumna Liza du Plessis has not only done incredible work as an Actress but has also shown her diverse skillset as an artist by becoming a highly experienced Art Director. As an actress she has starred in Binnelanders as well as films like Kranksinnig and Nagval op Donkerdraai. Her credits as an Art Director include Pronk Primêr, Horisonne, Vuurdoop and the SAFTA award winning TV movie ‘n Tyd van Waterpere. Liza recently co-produced a series of three brand new plays alongside Armand Rossouw and fellow PALI alumni Imarie Oberholzer and Cara Meiring. The plays made their debut at the Wilge Teater.
We checked in with Liza for a quick catch-up:
When did you realise that you would like to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
It feels like I’ve always known. I was very lucky to be born into a creative family. My dad is a musician and my mom an artist. I grew up performing and putting up shows for the family. Constantly singing and dancing around the house, but also occasionally performing with my dad at his shows. When I was 5 I watched Grease for the first time, I watched that film so many times the VHS broke after a while and that’s when I knew I wanted to be an actress. As for the Art Department element of my career, I never thought I would be interested in designing look and feels, choosing colour palettes and carrying couches but in my second year at PALI, Andre Velts showed us his films Stille Nag and Raaiselkind and explained all the hidden meanings in carefully placed items to create different shapes and specific colours that subconsciously enhance the feeling of a scene. That was the first time I felt drawn to art. After that I took an internship in Art Department on Hotel (season 4) and I haven’t looked back since.
You are very diverse in your skill set, why is it important for young artists to have multiple skills?
In the creative industry there will never be enough projects or opportunities to only act and do one thing. To be able to become a self-sustainable actor, you have to be able to work behind the scenes too while you audition or write or chase your dream. You also create such a big window of opportunity for yourself to work in different departments, as an actor you learn to understand the importance of every single part of the actual production. It turns you into a well-rounded technical actor. It takes so much pressure off of you in a scene if you realise that everyone on set is there to make the product look its best and that everyone is not just staring at you while you are trying to nail a scene. It allows you to network with crew members and it enhances your chances to get more roles and work in general.
What is your favourite memory during your time at PALI?
We had yearly fashion shows at PALI and in 2018, I decided to make an Edward Scissorhands costume and just at the start of my performance I tripped, fell and made eye contact with Shareen Swart, who was one of my biggest mentors, and in that moment I just realised how well she always prepared us for any situation. I made the crash and fall part of the show and everyone loved it, including her. Till this day I look back at that memory and the sweet smile on her face and I know no matter how dramatic the fall to the floor, she made sure to teach us how to passionately stand up and steal the show.
What was your favourite student production?
My favourite student show was definitely Glitter, Gents and Jazz Hands. Singing, dancing and acting. It was a dream come true.
Do you have any advice for aspiring actors and creatives?
Make short films, write plays and put them up. Don’t ever wait for the sign or the big break or the role you want. Go out, meet people, make things - even if it is bad. You will never learn or get better if you just wait. Try new things, work hard and educate yourself constantly about the industry, the gear and techniques. Never stop going to workshops. Never stop dreaming and always go for it.
