Joke Silva is an iconic actress that many people idolize. From season to season, she has stayed on our screens and stages. She is a movie star that has not gone into oblivion. Instead, she gets fresh every day and brings in something new, like the eagle whose life, the Bible says, is renewed. In this interview, the delightful actress shares with us her experience over the years in the industry. It is an interesting read, indeed a Sunday tonic. Enjoy, to the last drop (sorry, to the last full stop).

By  Bolatito Adebayo

What makes a good script to you?

For me, a story has to be easy to understand, yet intriguing and interesting enough to pull a large audience. It’s not about the grammar or the length of it but the depth it has. Sometimes people think because its comedy it doesn’t have to be structured or because its romance it doesn’t need suspense.

There are important elements in script writing and, for me, if I see those elements, my interest is already piqued. However, I still have to be able to relate to the story before regarding it as a good script. It has to scream ‘art’.

What is your latest work of art?

Potato Potato by Shirley Frimpong Manso, which was released in November. It’s a story that explores divorce from a different angle and working with the cast and crew was very interesting. It’s actually the story of a divorced couple that decided to share their matrimonial home.

Tell us a bit about it. When people go to the cinemas to watch it, what should they expect?

It is a wonderful story, expect to see a well thought out and well executed movie. I absolutely cannot wait for people to see it. One of the very funny scenes is something we do as Africans. Your child is right there and you have all the older people asking, “How are you? I was at your wedding.” You don’t leave the girl to talk. And because the mother knows what is going on, she answers all the questions quickly. The daughter is the one being asked the questions, the mother is the one answering. It was an amazing scene. I loved it.”

You have been on screen for many years, how has it been?

It has been an awesome journey. I have laughed, cried, learnt and grown. I’m grateful to God for keeping me relevant all these years and helping me to learn early, the importance of constant reinvention. It has been a very interesting journey I must say.

Can you compare the days when you started and now? Are things a lot better now?

Yes definitely. Things have improved now.

What are the challenges you have faced?

I really don’t think about that. I’m a very positive person and I love to focus on things that have inspired me and not things that have weighed me down.

Was there any time you got overwhelmed by those challenges that you wanted to quit?

NO! NEVER! I always knew I wanted to act, so I was ready for it all. Like I said, I focus on things that inspire me, so there was no time to think of giving up. When I couldn’t act, I taught, then I was on television. I never sat on one spot because of a challenge; every challenge for me is a learning curve and that’s the mindset everyone should have in life.

Are you thinking of retiring anytime soon?

My husband is 75 and he hasn’t stopped. Hubert Ogunde was about 86 when he featured in Heart of Darkness. I am very lucky to belong to an industry that doesn’t recognize retirement. It allows for longevity and I intend to take full advantage of it. I will continue to act, produce and do every other thing that gives me joy until atrophy sets in.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I stay with my family and try to catch up with everyone.

Do you get used to being a celebrity?

Laughs. When you are in the public eye for as long as I’ve been, you have no choice than to accept that you can’t ever be truly ‘private’. I have learnt how to be in the public without losing my privacy. Beyond glamour and/or fame is the huge responsibility that comes with being a celebrity. Some people see your world and lifestyle as law and will jump if you tell them that’s the right thing to do. I always try to make sure my actions or inactions will not teach those watching the wrong thing.

What should every woman try at least in her life?

Every woman should have fun and explore. Develop yourself and once in a while, give yourself a treat.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction?

Knowing I am living a life of purpose and leaving an imprint in the sands of time.

What are the things you would have done differently when you were much younger?

If I were to do anything differently, it will be to learn to persevere better. I remember in the 1990s my husband and I produced several stage plays including Holy Child which was a huge success. By the time we staged it the third time, it was a commercial success and we made our monies back. But then, we should have continued because people were looking forward to it every year.

Do you have a beauty routine?

Laughs. No I don’t. My sisters always joke about how I don’t have to try hard to look good.