Alexandra Ncube who plays Nabulungi in the soon to be in San Jose tour of The Book of Mormon was kind enough to answer a few personal questions. Well, they weren’t THAT personal. I mean, I could have asker her things like “In a fight who would win; a powered up clitoris or Joseph Smith?” or “What’s the most offensive joke you have ever heard.” You know, things a bit more edgy, the NSFW type of queries more like the content of the show…but we opted for a slightly more civilized approach overall. For now…
- Princess: There’s a very strong “faith” message that is explored, embraced and disputed in this show. In fact, some might say the initial motto of the show is “I Believe”… What is your life motto?
Alex: I have quite a few life mottos, but the one that resonates with me most, in this chapter of my life, is to put out the energy you wish to receive. When in doubt, choose kindness, generosity, and compassion. It will get you a lot further than acting with any level of negative energy.
Princess: Disagree, that’s the stupidest answer I’ve ever heard. Next question. Trey Parker and Matt Stone (two of the creators of The Book of Mormon) are kind of like heroes to me. They’ve been able to make their living getting people to lighten up and laugh which is a pretty awesome super hero power if you ask me. Who are your heroes in real life?
Alex: My heroes and heroines are anyone who chooses to stay true to themselves and lift others up while encouraging others to do so as well. I have examples all over the spectrum from the beauty and eloquence of Maya Angelou, rest in peace, to the tenacity of Dave Grohl, to the bravery of Lady Gaga, to the compassion and strength of my mother. I find a hero in anyone. There is so much to celebrate.
Princess: Speaking of celebrating, if pressed to name my idea of paradise, my ultimate happiness, I’d have to say it’s someplace with warm weather, baby animals, my own personal Jason Statham and lots of spicy tacos and gelato. And, cold craft beer. When and where were you happiest?
Alex: I am happiest when I am surrounded by those I love most and really enjoying the human connection without the distractions installed by society. A simple conversation could lead to hours of thoughts all over the spectrum of reality and nonsense. That is sacred to me.
Princess: Okay, forget paradise, if you were reincarnated what would you want to come back as … a person or a thing?
Alex: If I were to be reincarnated, I would love to return as a human, again. I would like to be surprised by what I would look like, but I only hope to have an inquisitive mind. I think there is a lot of power in the human consciousness. A sense of wonder and depth of inquiry for all things in the universe is a quality I really cherish being a human being. I would love to see the world through a different set of human eyes and see what new things I add to the file cabinet that is my brain.
Princess: I’d probably choose a cat with opposable thumbs, so I could get shit done when I was tired of being waited on by humans. Or maybe a shark so I could go around and freak the crap out of surfers. Or Jessica Rabbit, she has it pretty sweet. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your own character, I look forward to meeting the very different Nabulungi on stage next week!
The Book for Mormon comes to the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts June 30th – July 12th only.
Artsalot 