Monique Rockman

Photo Courtesy Of Stella Talent
  
WHERE ARE YOUR RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
I live in Cape Town, South Africa for about 11years now. So it's officially home.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I'm from A small town, Albertinia, smack in the middle of Riversdale and Mosselbay.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR HOMETOWN?
The best thing about Cape Town is obviously the beautiful mountains, the beaches, and the rich culture of my people which is everywhere.

WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS GROWING UP?
I've always wanted to be a performer. I used to think I wanted to be a famous singer growing up he he. I sang in the church band and in the school choir. But as I grew up expressing myself needed to be more than singing a song. I needed to tell stories.

WHY THESPIAN?
I had this need and desire to physically express myself with my whole entire body. It's crazy 'cause I didn't know any one else personally who did that or understood what I meant. There was a big fascination with being able to step out of my own life into that of "someone else" To be able to say and do things I personally could never do. It was therapy. And It wasn't a dream anymore, it became a desperate need.

WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR TRAINING?
I did a one year diploma course in drama at Northlink College, got accepted to move on to my second year at Tswane University, and was heartbroken when my family told me that there simply was no money. But I didn't give up. Took Saturday classes in Obz where we got training in Shakespeare, acting, writing...It was a beautiful experience. Abdurahman Adams (Ian in "Suidooster") and Tariq Jenkins (part of the Royal Shakespeare company) took a group of us under their wing and still remains mentors I will always love and respect. 

WHO DO YOU PLAY IN "NOMMER 37" ("NUMBER 37")? 
I play the female lead, Pam Ismael in the film "Nommer 37".the girlfriend of Randal (Irshad Ally) a fragile yet strong female character who is a vital part of how this thriller unravels.

WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS WHEN TAKING ON A ROLE? My process usually takes a lot of alone time.Dissaociating myself from my loved ones during preparation and filming. I need to become the character so my mind needs to be able to believe that I am that person: Who is not married to my husband, who is not a mom to my son. It's not always easy but we do what we have to do in order to be as authentic as possible.

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED CINEMATIC GENRE?
I love a good "Oscar winning type" of drama. I stay away from horrors because it keeps me awake at night! So honestly, I love a good comedy. I love to laugh until I cry. It's very important to be able to laugh. I would love to play a part one day where I can do that for someone else. It's a gift.

WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
I'd have to say the biggest influence in life for me has been a series of unfortunate events. Ive always been inspired by the tragedies me and my family had to overcome through out the years.. The fight to survive one's own mind and pain in hard times made me a survivor. And the need to survive has always been something that drives me. A bit dark I know. But it made me strong and it makes me the actress I am today. I'm proud of that.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
My personal style is kind of a reflection of my many personalities. I could be wearing a metal tee with ripped skinnies to one event, and a beautiful silver sparkly dress to the next. Fashion to me is a feeling. I do love to steal from what I see on TV or from friends. I love the sea more than any other place in the world. Summer is my season. Meaning seafood, margaritas,sunsets, bikinis, mini dresses and makeup makes me extremely happy in my soul.

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY?
From a very early age my mom taught me to cleanse my face morning and evening. Moisturize and use sunblock, that to me is extremely important, I also swear by always washing makeup off your face before bed. pparently it ages you, like, 10 years?

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
A perfect day off to me is lazing on the beach nibbling on calamari and wings. But I'm a wife and a mom to a very busy two-year-old boy. A day off means go toSpur or John Dory's where there's a play area, rent some movies and call it a day.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
In bed with wine, Doritos and "Southpark".