During the years I have been involved with theater I haven’t personally met many Jamaicans who were also performing artists. Of course, I know Bob Marley’s music and doing research for this profile learned the other legendary singer, songwriter, model and actress, Grace Jones, was born in Jamaica. My mother’s side of my family also hail from Jamaica, and she briefly pursued a dance career before I was born. Then last year, I met and worked with O’Wayne Dalhouse, a young Jamaican actor from the quaint city of Spanish Town, thirteen miles from Kingston, capital of Jamaica. Pensive, studious and disciplined, he is a fine example for young actors seeking a career in the arts. These are edited excerpts from our conversation in a Harlem restaurant.
Roger: What was growing up in Spanish Town like?
O’Wayne: I had a big family. We didn’t have much. One night we didn’t have anything to eat but we made it. School was amazing. Friends I had always played games. My mom raised me. My father lived in New York. I got involved in acting in church. I was 8 years old. I wanted to audition for the role of a pastor. An older boy was to portray pastor, but he didn’t have passion. I did and they picked me.
Roger: Were there Jamaican actors that inspired you?
O’Wayne: It wasn’t a specific actor. A plethora of actors. Ms. Low, a poet. Her poems had characters, brought strength and life. Did it like a play. My mom would buy Jamaican plays on DVD, and we would watch them. Saw an actress say”Bloody hell” and I said, “Bloody hell” and my mom shut me down (laughs). It was considered a curse.
Roger: For years, the choreographer and scholar, Rex Nettleford, was a prominent Jamaican artist. Has he had any impact on your career?
O’Wayne: No. I never heard of him. I know of the National Dance Company of Jamaica. Dance is pushed more by the government than theater. It’s hard to say if there are monies for the other arts.
Roger: You are presently a student at New Federal Theatre founded by the legendary Woodie King Jr. How did you hear about New Federal and what has that experience been like for you?
O’Wayne: Met another student, and he introduced me to New Federal and I decided to go there. Started in February 2023. Developed a lot of professional growth. Had Nora Cole, Eric Coleman and Carla Brothers for Beginner’s classes. They taught different techniques. Nora was for voice and body technique. Eric was dissecting scripts and Carla was focused on performance. Tried my best to improve my craft. Also observed the business side. Want to be part of the great history of New Federal.
Roger: You are a serious and disciplined actor. Talk about how that became part of your process in developing characters.
O’Wayne: When I was younger, a sports coach of mine told me to approach what I do seriously and that I have to like what I’m doing. Actually I wanted to be a professional soccer player and then pivot into acting. I retired earlier than I had planned and got into acting (laughs).
Roger: How do you compare film work with working on stage?
O’Wayne: I approach stage and film the same way. Even though with theater I learn the whole script.
Roger: What has been the most challenging character you’ve portrayed?
O’Wayne: Candy in Of Mice and Men in high school. It was four years since I had done any acting. I was playing a character six decades older. I’m a teenager playing an old guy with a dog and with a bad arm. I had to shape my body language.
Roger: What characters that you would like to portray are on your wish list?
O’Wayne: Any soldier in a story. I like war stories. I like heroes coming home from war. I would like to portray that.
Roger: One of your acting teachers at New Federal is the renowned Petronia Paley. Talk about that experience in her classes.
O’Wayne: Petronia Paley is a very serious teacher. Lovable but she doesn’t play. She wants you to understand the choices you have. Has to be a reason for what you do. Act the reality of the moment. She asks at the beginning of class, “What do you want to work on today?” The questions she asks go to a deeper level of reasoning. Her questions get you thinking. Increases questions for myself.
Roger: Any directors you’ve worked with have made you grow as an actor?
O’Wayne: Ajene Washington. Gave me an opportunity to learn from his expertise and helped me get work in other projects. Rhonda Hansome. Worked with her on my first reading. Had to know the lines and my character had to go from 8 years old to 20 years older. Had to bring life to both characters. She was very specific with her tweaks and tips.
Roger: You have such a unique name. Any backstory?
O’Wayne: My father and older brother both say they named me. Middle name is Azeem. Means defender. Wanted to change my name. Was always picked on. Kids used to say “Dollhouse.” My 3rd grade girlfriend said she wasn’t going to marry me (laughs). When I became an adult, everything changed. Now my last name is taken seriously. Someone said my last name sounds like a movie star name.
Roger: Where do you see yourself in the years ahead?
O’Wayne: A series regular in a TV show. Working in film. Love theater but see myself in film. Same path as Denzel and Samuel Jackson. Theater to film and back to theater. G&S
IG: official.owayne
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