We chat to Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson who recently played the vivacious Aku on Scandal!
Scandal!’s writing team created a special storyline to reward the show’s Ghanaian viewers for their support and to showcase Lydia Forson– an award-winning actress from Ghana.
She played the daring and lively character, Aku, who had the hots for Kila. After meeting Kila online, Aku flew all the way from Ghana to meet him in person. She claimed she was in love with him, but we soon found out that she had another agenda…she pursued Kila to make her fiancé jealous because she thought he was having an affair.
We chat to 29-year-old actress Lydia Forson about being on Scandal!
Tell us more about yourself.
I like to think I'm an extremist, someone who will always push the envelope and do things others would never dare. I'm also very passionate and intense, according to my friends - that’s probably why I'm so dedicated to what I do. I'm ever evolving.
How did you land the role on Scandal?
A good agent and I'd like to think being good at what I do also counted.
Tell us about your character, Aku.
Aku is a lot of things in one - she's daring, a go-getter and she doesn't back down from a challenge. She's also full of life, and tends to live in her own world without being completely oblivious to the one around her.
Your character was caught in a love triangle with Gloria and Kila. How did Aku deal with the competition?
Aku was very competitive. Her character took on challenges, not because she wanted to, but just to prove that she can. She decided the only way to handle the situation between her, Kila and Gloria, is with some old fashioned seduction, even if it means being bold and coming on strong. She isn’t shy to go after what she wants.
How is Aku different from the roles that you’ve played before?
Having to act as a "Ghanaian" was a little different from what I'm used to. I had to do it once for a movie, but never so elaborately. I had to completely transform the way I look to fit into the character. I hadn't worn hair extensions in years and the first night I had to wear them was probably one of my worst nights in a while. But it was very interesting to see what people thought of Ghanaians here, and how they reacted and dressed. And even though I wasn't any of these things, I had to give the viewers what they wanted. On one hand I wanted to stand out as a Ghanaian to South Africans, but on the other hand I wanted my fans to recognize and identify with me. Even though I was conflicted, I had to remember that I had to live up to my character. I had to put my personal interests aside and do the character justice.
What did you enjoy most about the role?
I loved the fact that I got to push the envelope. I loved that every time I showed up there was drama. My character had a lot of energy and it's always fun to bring that to the show.
What has it been like working on the Scandal! set?
It's been a wonderful experience. It's always hard to leave your comfort zone, especially if you're so used to "calling the shots" where you're from, and suddenly having to be the "new kid on the block". It means no diva antics. [Laughs]. But these are the experiences that grow an actor. I take it as a learning process and I love to learn.
Was it your first time visiting South Africa?
Yes, this was my first time. I know very few South Africans back home and so I didn't know what to expect. Things are obviously different here compared to my country, but everyone I met was very kind and more than willing to make me comfortable. I've made some amazing friends.
Any plans to come back to SA to work on more projects?
I'd love to, although it’s a new and different playing ground than what I'm used to. I like to explore more as an artist. A new country always brings new exploits and challenges. I will always have South Africa at heart. I fell in love with the country and its people, and would love to come back.
What’s next for you?
This year started on a good note and I hope it continues. I've done a lot in West Africa. I think it’s time to explore other territories. I have a lot more offers from other African countries that I'm looking at. I'm also touring some select states in the US and the UK; I’m doing a meet-and-greet with fans this summer.
Catch Scandal! Monday to Thursday at 7:30PM.
