{"id":52119,"date":"2026-03-09T07:25:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T07:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=52119"},"modified":"2026-03-09T07:25:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T07:25:11","slug":"2026-03-09-lorcia-cooper-excited-to-see-coloured-stories-told","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2026\/03\/09\/2026-03-09-lorcia-cooper-excited-to-see-coloured-stories-told\/","title":{"rendered":"Lorcia Cooper excited to see Coloured stories told"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Having first broken into the industry as the dancing sensation called Charmaine on <i>Backstage<\/i>, seasoned actress Lorcia Cooper says her latest role as Rochelle Booysen in <i>Paradys<\/i> may be one of the timidest yet nurturing characters she has played to date.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The 47-year-old thespian, also known for portraying the cutthroat prison boxing champion and gang leader Tyson in prison drama <i>Lockdown<\/i>, is relishing the opportunity to step into a very different kind of role: a mother navigating family and community struggles in the new SABC2 drama.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-media-item b-article-body__image\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-placeholder\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/TUYO3VQ56JMIVAEXOOYASLQ72U.jpg?auth=af462c0c84bbd4f867d6505b459af0cf317dd1ab3df3ddd71ffa2428517ad850&amp;width=274&amp;height=163&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 274px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/TUYO3VQ56JMIVAEXOOYASLQ72U.jpg?auth=af462c0c84bbd4f867d6505b459af0cf317dd1ab3df3ddd71ffa2428517ad850&amp;width=400&amp;height=238&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 400px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/TUYO3VQ56JMIVAEXOOYASLQ72U.jpg?auth=af462c0c84bbd4f867d6505b459af0cf317dd1ab3df3ddd71ffa2428517ad850&amp;width=768&amp;height=458&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/TUYO3VQ56JMIVAEXOOYASLQ72U.jpg?auth=af462c0c84bbd4f867d6505b459af0cf317dd1ab3df3ddd71ffa2428517ad850&amp;width=1024&amp;height=611&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/TUYO3VQ56JMIVAEXOOYASLQ72U.jpg?auth=af462c0c84bbd4f867d6505b459af0cf317dd1ab3df3ddd71ffa2428517ad850&amp;width=1440&amp;height=859&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1440px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Lorcia Cooper plays Tyson on 'Lockdown'.\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lorcia-Cooper-excited-to-see-Coloured-stories-told.jpg?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"c-media-item__fig-caption\"><span class=\"c-media-item__caption\">Lorcia Cooper plays Tyson on &#8216;Lockdown&#8217;. <\/span><span class=\"c-media-item__credit\">(Supplied) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">In an interview with Sowetan, Cooper talks about her new character and how it offers an opportunity to celebrate the Coloured community in ways she claims have rarely been seen on free-to-air television before.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Sowetan: What does it mean to you to be part of a show that celebrates the Coloured community?<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Cooper: <\/b>It\u2019s incredible. I\u2019m really elated to be part of something that truly celebrates the Coloured community on free-to-air TV. It\u2019s the first show of its kind, and it\u2019s telling stories from a human perspective, not stereotypes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Being on set, I fell in love with the variety of different accents, dialects, languages, and mannerisms that Coloured people have. It really debunks the notion that there\u2019s only one type of Coloured person. That diversity is beautiful, and it makes the storytelling richer and more authentic.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-media-item b-article-body__image\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-placeholder\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZIQYEYKXTBHVTBGV4CA7I5575U.jpg?auth=6969e12dfbce70d8b47571ce7445c3f8d841e5f0dd5844a4d9a832a8576d7f99&amp;width=274&amp;height=410&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 274px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZIQYEYKXTBHVTBGV4CA7I5575U.jpg?auth=6969e12dfbce70d8b47571ce7445c3f8d841e5f0dd5844a4d9a832a8576d7f99&amp;width=400&amp;height=599&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 400px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZIQYEYKXTBHVTBGV4CA7I5575U.jpg?auth=6969e12dfbce70d8b47571ce7445c3f8d841e5f0dd5844a4d9a832a8576d7f99&amp;width=768&amp;height=1151&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZIQYEYKXTBHVTBGV4CA7I5575U.jpg?auth=6969e12dfbce70d8b47571ce7445c3f8d841e5f0dd5844a4d9a832a8576d7f99&amp;width=1024&amp;height=1535&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZIQYEYKXTBHVTBGV4CA7I5575U.jpg?auth=6969e12dfbce70d8b47571ce7445c3f8d841e5f0dd5844a4d9a832a8576d7f99&amp;width=1440&amp;height=2159&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1440px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773041108_94_Lorcia-Cooper-excited-to-see-Coloured-stories-told.jpg?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"c-media-item__fig-caption\"><span class=\"c-media-item__caption\">Seasoned actress Lorcia Cooper takes on the role of Rochelle Booysen in Paradys. <\/span><span class=\"c-media-item__credit\">(Supplied.) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Sowetan: What drew you to Rochelle\u2019s character?<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Cooper: <\/b>Honestly, it was a no-brainer. I\u2019ve always spoken about the lack of opportunities for Coloured actors, so to be part of a show that does it right from the stories to the representation felt very God-ordained.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Rochelle is strong, nurturing and deeply human. Her story isn\u2019t about stereotypes; it\u2019s about mothers and daughters, families, and community struggles\u2026 themes everyone can relate to. That\u2019s why I knew I had to be part of it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Sowetan: How has the role influenced you personally?<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Cooper:<\/b> Playing Rochelle has been grounding. It taught me patience, empathy and how to hold space for others; on and off screen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Working closely with Sharne Coetzee [as my on-screen daughter] has been really special. I see a reflection of myself in her energy and passion. It also reminded me of my very first role as Charmaine on <i>Backstage<\/i>. Being able to guide Sharne through her fairly new journey in television has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Sowetan: What has stood out for you most about being on set?<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The cast are not only talented but incredibly warm and supportive. That energy translates on screen\u2026 you can feel it in the story.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">I also love the variety I get to see every day: different dialects, accents, ways of speaking, and mannerisms. It reminds me that Coloured communities are not a monolith, and the show celebrates that diversity beautifully. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Sowetan: Do you see Paradys as a new chapter for SABC2 dramas?<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Cooper:<\/b> Absolutely. It\u2019s the first of its kind on free-to-air TV, authentically representing Coloured communities and speaking multiple Afrikaans dialects alongside English.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The stories could exist anywhere in SA. It\u2019s universal yet deeply rooted, giving audiences something they\u2019ve rarely seen before; and I\u2019m proud to be part of that.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-media-item b-article-body__image\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-placeholder\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZB3YWBZ3SBP4PPYO67IIWEJN7I.jpg?auth=368bf6ac992e722b39f0b54126a5bd9c9b28b1ab6cf3840fbf7e3cfd9206c9e2&amp;width=274&amp;height=172&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 274px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZB3YWBZ3SBP4PPYO67IIWEJN7I.jpg?auth=368bf6ac992e722b39f0b54126a5bd9c9b28b1ab6cf3840fbf7e3cfd9206c9e2&amp;width=400&amp;height=252&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 400px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZB3YWBZ3SBP4PPYO67IIWEJN7I.jpg?auth=368bf6ac992e722b39f0b54126a5bd9c9b28b1ab6cf3840fbf7e3cfd9206c9e2&amp;width=768&amp;height=484&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZB3YWBZ3SBP4PPYO67IIWEJN7I.jpg?auth=368bf6ac992e722b39f0b54126a5bd9c9b28b1ab6cf3840fbf7e3cfd9206c9e2&amp;width=1024&amp;height=645&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/ZB3YWBZ3SBP4PPYO67IIWEJN7I.jpg?auth=368bf6ac992e722b39f0b54126a5bd9c9b28b1ab6cf3840fbf7e3cfd9206c9e2&amp;width=1440&amp;height=908&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1440px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" alt=\"Lorcia Cooper set to return to Scandal\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773041109_518_Lorcia-Cooper-excited-to-see-Coloured-stories-told.jpg?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"c-media-item__fig-caption\"><span class=\"c-media-item__caption\">Lorcia Cooper. <\/span><span class=\"c-media-item__credit\">(Gallo Images\/Oupa Bopape) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><b>Sowetan: Is there a role you\u2019d like to play in the future?<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Yes, I\u2019d love to play a female villain; someone slightly demented, off the wall. Men often get unhinged villain roles, but women rarely do. I want to take on something diabolical, dark, and unexpected \u2014 that would be my dream challenge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#Lorcia #Cooper #excited #Coloured #stories #told<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having first broken into the industry as the dancing sensation called Charmaine on Backstage, seasoned actress Lorcia Cooper says her&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52120,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52119"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52121,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52119\/revisions\/52121"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}