15 questions for Rika Sennett

1. What do you read first thing every morning?

One of Carel Anthonissen's meditations and poems by Mary Oliver. Trying to clear my head before the day takes over. 

2. What is the best book you have read in the last year?

I am reading Karel Schoeman's Kinders van die Kompanje and have just finished Jeanette Ferreira's Die Melkweg en die Miskruier. Both good and interesting. The history of the first Europeans who landed here and began to put down roots and then also the later history of the Afrikaner in the early 20th century until today in Jeanette's book.

3. Is there a role that stands out in your career? 

Challenging roles, mostly on stage, stand out: Varja and Ranevskaya in The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov, Portia in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. And in films, Ada in Roepman and Gerda van Aswegen in Verraaiers.

4. Who inspires you?

Nature inspires me and makes me aware of a greater perspective.

5. What did you learn from your parents?

My parents taught me the value of a close family. The security it gives one to be able to deal with the rest of the world.

6. What can't you live without?

Lindt chocolate. And without it, life is not sweet enough.

7. What's the most expensive thing you've blown your money on?

My new Le Creuset pot, which I gave myself as a present on my 70th birthday, was very expensive. I'm otherwise pretty careful with my money. I work in the entertainment industry!

8. What do you find sexy?

The naughty look in my husband's eyes.

9. If you could invite three people, living or deceased, to dinner, who would they be?

Shakespeare, Chekhov and Dostoevsky together at a dining table. And I will remain dead quiet.

10. What is the quality you value least in another person?

Fakeness puts me off, even in acting.

11. Is there a character in fiction with whom you over-identify?

One identifies with certain aspects of any well-written character.

12. Is there a book you would recommend to everyone?

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a must. Covid gave me the time to read it. 

13. What do you wish you had taught your daughters?

I wish I had put more emphasis on the value of stillness in this social media-driven world of ours. To make more time for your own thoughts.

14. What do you always carry with you?

My glasses.

15. What are you looking forward to?

I look forward to participating in life for as long as I can.

♦ VWB ♦

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