TARYN NIGHTINGALE
It’s said that every seven years, because of how our cells replace themselves, we have an entirely new body. But can we change our consciousness within the same time? Seven and a bit years ago Marvin-Lee Beukes was an entirely different man. The actor-writer transformed his life from living for his next fix to living a life where he’s always evolving, so he can embody the best version of himself.
You may recognise Beukes from Die Byl as captain Juan Stuurman. Or you may have seen his sterling performance alongside André Vosloo in Griekwastad. If not, his portrayal of Charlton in Dam on ShowMax is a masterclass for actors on characterisation and presence. “Although his character doesn’t say much, Marvin makes me watch him,” says the director of Dam, Alex Yazbek.
But this is a far cry from where (and who) Beukes was in 2013. “I was addicted to getting off my face,” he says. For Beukes, addiction was less about the type of drug and more about finding ways he could escape the excruciating pain he found living within himself. “I had a sense I was a certain way and there was nothing I could do about it.”
But recovery showed him he didn’t need to stay stuck in the story of his past, and that he could choose differently. "We are not fixed, we change, and we should change - that's what I learned when I got clean," he said.
Beukes is not only an actor, but a writer too. His third film screenplay, One Night KwaMxolisi debuted on Showmax on Friday. He also forms part of the writing team that wrote the highly-anticipated, neo-noir murder mystery, Skemerdans (on Showmax in April).
Beukes says acting happened quite naturally for him, whereas his writing career was a path he forged for himself, and is one that he continues to nurture.
He is passionate about personal development, mindfulness and biohacking, and adopts the approach of an artist-athlete to his mental and physical health, as well as his writing and acting. Beukes’ dedication to his craft is evident in his preparation for his role in Die Byl – he’s committed to a strict fitness regime to ensure he authentically embodies the athletic cop. “I’m constantly adapting and finding things that are sub-optimal and then enhancing them. No artist or athlete can be too secure or too comfortable in their creativity or sport,” he said.
And his philosophy has held him in good stead. This year Beukes will be celebrating eight years of sobriety; he’s been in a loving partnership he describes as sacred for more than three years; and not only does he have several artistic achievements under his belt, but is also well-respected by his peers.
Waldemar Schultz, who plays the title role in Die Byl, says Beukes is a pleasure to work with. “He comes to set prepared, aware of what he’s doing as an actor and character, with an intelligent interpretation of the scenes and how it relates to the bigger picture.” Schultz says Beukes has a “wicked sense of humour which really resonates with [him]”.
Actor and director Sisanda Henna (Trackers) says he appreciates how easy it is to collaborate with Beukes, and that he admires his commitment to authenticity in his writing.
Award-winning director and writer Yazbek, describes Beukes as a “really fine actor who enlivens his characters with such detail – Marvin is incredibly watchable”.
Yazbek says this talent extends to his writing too, and he’s been mentoring Beukes somewhat, “not because I’m generous,” says Yazbek, “but because I think this guy has a bright future as a writer-director, and he may just be able to give me a job.”
Catch this top talent, Beukes, in Dam (currently on Showmax), Die Byl (kykNET in April) and witness his screen-writing ability take form in One Night KwaMxolisi.
Weekend Argus