A Dagenham actor has just secured the lead role in Warped Sacrifice, which opens at Battersea’s Turbine Theatre next month.
A Dagenham actor has just secured the lead role in Warped Sacrifice, which opens at Battersea's Turbine Theatre next month.
Victor Olusina, who moved to the borough aged four and grew up in Lindisfarne Road, has had a long journey to achieve his dream.
The 23-year-old described his glee at booking the role: "I sacrificed a lot to get to here. Through my journey I have seen many talented black actors not be given enough praise, which made it feel like the odds were stacked against me, but I've found myself in a great network that has allowed me to thrive."
Despite obstacles Victor pursued his dream — in 2015 he secured a scholarship to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California — after which he further honed his craft at London's Identity School of Acting.
He has since been signed to top talent agency International Artists Management, home of Gillian Wright (Jean Slater in EastEnders) and actress Lindsay Lohan, before going on to land the role of Andre.
The play is described as "set in a disturbing dystopian city that is obsessed with perfection" where the characters have to decide what sacrifices are worth making. This suits Victor's passion for storytelling, and he wants this role to be the catalyst for a long and varied career. As an admirer of Denzel Washington, Victor wants to match him by also choosing projects based their "meaning":
"I plan to lift up the black community and shed a positive light. I feel that there has always been a negative connotation attached to us in movies, but it is getting better, especially with productions like Black Panther.
"Those are the kind of projects I want to be a part of. Work that lifts us up, and that leaves the audience feeling positive."
Victor has defied all odds to reach this point, and is thankful to his parents for always supporting him, despite initial reservations that the industry is a "field of rare chance".
The trailblazing actor has returned that support tenfold.
Victor will be filming a documentary on opening night, which promises to be one to remember. Further information at www.theturbinetheatre.com/whats-on/.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here