Nigerian actress Iveren Antiev has shared how punishment led her to discover her passion for acting. In an interview with Musa Adekunle, Antiev revealed that she was sent to the drama club as punishment for skipping physical education games in junior secondary school. It was there that she discovered her love for acting and decided to pursue it as a career. Antiev's journey into acting was not without its challenges, but she has since become a successful actress, known for her roles in films like "A Land Apart".
Growing up, Antiev had a fun and carefree childhood, with her parents allowing her to be a child and make her own decisions. She was not pressured to choose a particular career path and was free to explore her interests. Antiev's introduction to acting was unexpected, but it sparked a passion that has driven her to succeed in the industry. Her parents were supportive of her choice, but her brothers were not, with one being a doctor and the other an architect.
Antiev studied theatre arts in university, despite her brothers' objections. She had initially tried to study law, but was unable to gain admission due to accreditation issues. Her parents eventually gave her their blessing to pursue her passion for acting. After university, Antiev attended the Royal Arts Academy to learn film acting, which she knew would be different from stage acting. It was there that she got her first job, acting in a film called "Close to Perfect".
Antiev's first major film role was in "Mr & Mrs Right", where she worked alongside experienced actors who were kind and willing to guide her. She had to learn to adapt to working on screen, which was different from her stage acting background. Antiev had to unlearn some of her stage habits, such as using her voice and gestures, to fit the demands of film acting. Her transition to screen acting was not smooth, but she was determined to succeed.
Antiev took a career break after "Mr & Mrs Right" to complete her national youth service in Kano. During her time away from acting, she did not doubt her career choice and was determined to succeed when she returned to Lagos. Antiev's passion for acting drives her to keep going, even in the face of challenges. She feels most fulfilled when she is on set, filming.
Antiev has played a range of roles throughout her career, including Dr Doofan Adasu, a stubborn but resilient character. She has also played a woman with cancer, a role that took a toll on her but taught her about the importance of empathy and understanding. Antiev's experiences have taught her to be goal-oriented and focused, even in the face of rejection and challenges. Rejection is a big part of acting, but Antiev has learned to deal with it and move forward.
Antiev's role as Awashima in "A Land Apart" taught her about the character's work ethic and fear. She had to understand Awashima's motivations and actions, which were driven by her family responsibilities and fear of those around her. Antiev spoke with first daughters to prepare for the role, learning about the responsibilities that come with being a first girl in a family. Her experiences working on "A Land Apart" have taught her the importance of discipline and humility in the acting industry.
Key points
- Iveren Antiev was sent to the drama club as punishment and discovered her passion for acting.
- Antiev has played a range of roles, including Dr Doofan Adasu and a woman with cancer.
- Her role as Awashima in "A Land Apart" taught her about the character's work ethic and fear.
