/ STRAIGHT MATE
LION-HEARTED ›› Playing rugby for New Zealand or starring in a musical? Nick Afoa chose the former but fate had other plans. He puts on his “passion killers” and tells Matthew Myers about his own circle of life.
DNA: From rugby star to musical theatre! How did that happen?
Nick Afoa: The seed was planted about ten years ago. I was heavily into rugby and trialling for the New Zealand under-nineteens team, but at the same time I auditioned for The Lion King. But then I had to make a choice because I made it to the final callback. I had to decide whether to play for my country or play Simba. I decided to go down the rugby route because that was my passion, but I didn’t make the team! So I actually missed out on both. I was asking myself the “what if?” question for a long time after that, and then all these years later I got to audition again. I wasn’t going to let that second chance pass. Did you study lions for the role? I did, funnily enough! During rehearsals I watched a lot of National Geographic clips on their movement and even went to the zoo. Just studying the way they walk with their shoulders means something for an actor. It’s about merging the human and animal elements and jumping between the two. The trick is to make it look natural enough. When you were a child did you have The Lion King on DVD? I had it on VHS video – I’m
actually not that young! It was my favourite movie and every time I watched it I’d cry when Mufasa died. Even though I knew he’d die, it was one of those things that got me every time. In the show, you wear a horsehair headpiece, have your chest waxed and get your tattoo covered up. Is there anything else out of the ordinary for an ex-rugby player? Where
do I start!? Rugby is all about the crash-bang physical and how hard you can hit the next person, whereas here it’s all about how light you can be on your feet. It’s about being graceful with your moves, coupled with telling a story. In terms of team spirit are there similarities between being in a musical cast and a rugby side? Definitely. You have your leaders and
captains and such. Buyi Zama who plays Rafiki has been in the show for twelve years and Rob Collins who plays Mufasa, is like the team captain. Rob doesn’t need to say much but just leads by how he is. In terms of a sporting mentality it’s all very similar in the way you give everything and support your teammates. So some of the cast are like mentors? Yes, I want to take my acting further, and Josh Quong Tart, who plays Scar, has really taken me under his wing. Also Rob is a really calming spirit, and sometimes when I’m not up to things he just knows exactly what to say. When did your singing become professional?
“I’m here for the Tina Turner audition!” Actually, Nick as Simba in The Lion King.
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I had my nine-to-five job back home working with kids in schools, and on the weekends I’d sing in cover bands. But this is the first gig where I’ve been able to sing for a living, and act and dance, too! Well, let’s say I try to dance! You’ve worked as a social worker with young people, using music as a therapeutic tool.
Yes, I’m of Samoan heritage and music, song
and dance is a massive part of our culture and expression. Music has always been a great way to get our people to articulate their emotions. Sometimes these kids wouldn’t know how to say something specifically, so I get him or her to write their feelings into song. I liked doing that, as music is such a big part of my life, too. Some of these young people were great rappers and some were great singers. It started a wave effect that showed them, yes, they can talk about their feelings. They didn’t have to speak
where the show is enough cardio for me. Just one show is like an insanity workout! Resting is also a massive part of keeping the physique and allowing the body to recover. People are surprised that I have a big sweet tooth. I don’t deprive myself of eating the foods that I crave. Who is your diva? I’m a big fan of the old school soul singers and I’ve always preferred to sing the songs of Motown. So I really love the likes of Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Tina Turner. The divas around today will tell
you the same thing. I love Tina singing Proud Mary and I’ve seen that done so well at some drag shows! Wow! Have you ever done drag? No, but I think the longer I stay in the theatre it may very well become a possibility [laughs]. If I were to do drag I’d give Tina and Proud Mary a go! Has there ever been a wardrobe malfunction working on The Lion King? Yes, like today
some beads smashed onto the stage. That kind of thing needs to be cleared up straight away, as a dancer could slip on them. We have these ninja-like guys in black who come on and clean things like that up. Who has been your biggest influence?
[Laughs] I’d say my parents. My dad was always a firm believer, even when I was in a place in my life where I thought it was over and I wasn’t going to make it. He was always there and always positive. It’s really powerful knowing that someone is always there beside you, especially when you’re finding it tough.
Are you more comfortable in jocks, boxers or just plain commando? It depends, but I’d say
jocks. Boxers and commando are a bit too free, whereas jocks keep everything together, and I’m a very active guy! But when I play Simba I wear a special pair of brown underwear, which are known as “passion killers” [Laughs]! MORE: The Lion King is playing at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne. Visit www.disney.com.au/ lionkingthemusical. Find Matthew Myers on Twitter @MattMyers1964
it, but they could express themselves in another way. That also led to the next step where they could talk more about those feelings. Did you ever come across issues of being gay or homophobia? A lot of identity issues
did come up. The teenage years are a really important time for those kids in learning about themselves and who they are and what they want to be. They also compare themselves to what they see on TV and have expectations. Sexual identity was a big issue and there were definitely some coming out situations that involved supporting them though the process, and letting them know that they weren’t alone. Do you have gay mates? So many in the theater world, but I also had them outside of here when I was singing, both male and female. I also flatted with a couple of gay mates when I was about 19. Who’s your bromance crush? Hugh Jackman. He’s awesome. You think I have a big chest, I reckon his is bigger. And he’s not just a great actor, but a really nice guy, too. I’ve heard he once used this very dressing room!
“I love Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Tina Turner… If I were to do drag I’d give Proud Mary a go!”
Speaking of your chest, how do you keep in shape? With the vigorous rehearsal process
and eight shows a week, I lost a lot of weight and I also went to the gym three times a week to keep the muscle on. But now I’m at a stage DNA 43