Debuting Artists at OpenStage: Akolotu Moeloa

Another week, another Debuting Artist! OpenStage is home to many incredible artists, some who have worked with the company for years and others who are brand new. This week we are proud to introduce another new company member, Akolotu Moeloa, making his OpenStage debut in Murder on the Orient Express! I got to know Akolotu a little more before he performs as "Monsieur Bouc," a good friend and former colleague of Hercule Poirot as well as and the owner of Wagon-Lit (the train company that owns the Orient Express). Here is what Akolotu had to say:

Tell me about yourself! Where you’re from, your hobbies, past work, fun facts, or anything that comes to mind!

What made you decide to audition for Murder on the Orient Express? What was the audition like?

I've been a fan of the Poirot character since I was young. I'm a huge fan of David Suchet's portrayal and I was ecstatic for the chance to help bring Christie's story to life. As an amateur linguist, I saw the presentation of so many international characters and their accents as an intriguing challenge when I auditioned. The differences between Belgian and French accents are subtle indeed.

How has your experience with OpenStage been so far?

My experience with theater in Fort Collins was limited to working with Fort Collins Children's Theater. I love working with kids and the energy they bring to the stage. Joining OpenStage gives me the opportunity to work with adult talent as well as explore topics and themes that don't work with younger audiences. This presents new challenges and allows me to grow as an actor.

What is your favorite thing about acting?

It's all about the storytelling. The opportunity to present the human condition in all its tragedy, triumphs, and glory keeps me coming back.

What is your favorite show/film that you have ever worked on and why?

I have two, and I was a teenager for both of them. I played the role of Johnathan Harker in Bram Stoker's Dracula with the adult theater company in my hometown. That was my first major role and the first time I had to use a foreign accent in a show (RP British). The challenge of being a young person playing a believable 30-something character was considerable. The other role I played was that of an adult male with an intellectual disability in Boys Next Door. Portraying this character in a way that ensured his dignity as a human being while presenting the pitfalls and foibles of having a disability comedically was intensely challenging.

Do you have any upcoming projects after Murder on the Orient Express?

I do and I'm both thrilled and terrified about it, but it's not official yet so you'll have to wait and see!

Come see Akolotu and the rest of the cast in Murder on the Orient Express, opening October 30th!