Dewald talks about his experience on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Dewald Vermeulen is a young aspiring artist from Boksburg who was recently part of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory production.
He graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2018, with musical theatre as his major. Some of his university roles include Cliff in Cabaret, the lead dancer in Shadows, and a lead in the final-year production Musicals: A Celebration.
Earlier in 2019 his voice starred as the characters of Heatblast, Diamondhead, Grey Matter and Stinkfly in the Afrikaans dubbing of Ben 10 which aired on SABC 2. He was also the artistic director of the Broadway2SA camp 2019 presented by the National Arts Association.
The Advertiser caught up with him to learn more about his experience.
Q: Who is Dewald Vermeulen?
A: A young, aspiring artist born and raised in Boksburg.
Q: How did you land up in the entertainment industry?
A: Ever since I attended my first concert when I was 12, it was my dream.
Q: You were part of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory production at the National Children’s Theatre. How was your experience of the show?
A: Absolutely amazing. Doing what I love while enriching children’s lives.
Q: Can you tell us more about your character in the production?
A: My character is Mike Teavee. A boy obsessed with watching television, which I can totally relate with.
Q: What was your most memorable experience of the production?
A: The scene where I leave still excites me when I must do it. Sound effects, smoke machines and very cool visuals.
Q: Did you learn anything by being part of the show?
A: Yes, the entire cast is so amazing, and I value this experience of working with professional actors.
Q: Can you tell us what the most challenging part of the show was?
A: Well, I play two characters: one being 12 years old and the other character in his 40s, so getting into the characters was initially the hardest.
Q: You excel in other activities such as dancing as well. What is your favourite between acting, voice acting and singing?
A: I majored my degree in musical theatre. I honestly can’t choose, I love entertaining in all and any way.
Q: If you could work with one famous person, who would it be and why?
A: Emo Adams. I feel like he is known for many different things and he is immensely talented and started on stage.
Q: Your dream role would be?
A: So many, but if I had to choose – Marius Pontmercy from Les Misérables.
Q: Could you give us a few interesting facts about yourself?
A: I hate caramel and I was denied by my primary school choir.
