A childhood speech and drama class, an iconic line from Arnold Schwarzenegger and a starring role as Bilbo Baggins in a landmark South African theatre production have all played a part in shaping Gamelihle ‘Game’ Bovana’s journey to the stage.

Now, the Melville resident is preparing to transport audiences to the Kingdom of Australis as King Henry in Sleeping Beauty The Musical. Bovana, who has called Melville home for six years, began pursuing acting professionally in 2014, although his love for performing started much earlier. “I realised I wanted to pursue this career a lot further back in my early life, when I accidentally walked into an after-school speech and drama class as a Grade 2 pupil,” he said.

His inspiration also came from an unexpected source: action star Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Something about the manner in which he delivered his iconic ‘I’ll Be Back’ line drew me in,” Bovana recalled.

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Since then, his career has included Naledi Theatre Award nominations and a win in 2016. However, one experience stands out above the rest: playing Bilbo Baggins in the first-ever South African theatrical adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, directed by Alan Swerdlow.

Bovana describes the production as the ‘coolest’ and most significant experience of his career so far. His latest role offers a different kind of adventure, with Bovana taking on King Henry, the devoted father of Princess Aurora and benevolent ruler of Australis. Rather than focusing solely on the authority that comes with a crown, Bovana wants audiences to see the person beneath it. “I believe the humanity of kings gets unfairly forgotten about when talking about them, so I’m really interested in bringing the human behind the crown to the fore in my portrayal of him,” he explained.

Original songs in the production provide another way to explore the king’s personality, giving Bovana different layers through which to express his character’s humanity. The cast and creative team have also relished the opportunity to build a fresh interpretation of a story familiar to generations of audiences. “The opportunity to start the process of putting this show together on a completely clean slate has been exciting for all of us as performers and the creative team,” he said.

For Bovana, one of the greatest joys of theatre is the connection forged between performer and audience in real time. “Making real-time live connections with audiences and taking them through the tales of the stories we tell as we’re telling them in those moments in time is the most magical part of what we do as theatre performers,” he said.

Being part of the African premiere adds another milestone to his career, and performing for Johannesburg families makes the experience even more meaningful. “This year in particular has been difficult for many families. What better way to round it out than by taking a magical trip to the Kingdom of Australis?” he said.

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Audiences should also keep an eye out for a special moment between King Henry and his daughter — a scene Bovana is particularly excited for them to experience. Ultimately, he hopes the musical’s themes of kindness, resilience and overcoming adversity will leave audiences with a message about pursuing their dreams. Quoting a song from the production, he said, “All of our wishes are stitched at the seams. Why go to sleep, when we could live out our dreams?”

Beyond the kingdom of Australis, Bovana has his sights set on directing and performing in a Netflix production, even if only once, before taking his craft around the world.

For now, though, he is embracing the magic of the stage, bringing a beloved fairy tale to life while adding another first to an already colourful performing career.

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