Actress Bonolo Tlaletse born in Mafikeng, says she moved to Johannesburg to pursue a dream that was predestined for her. Sara¬na was the fi¬rst movie she fell in love with since she knew from an early age what she wanted to be and do when she grew up. “I memorized and repeatedly watched the dance moves. I adored Sara¬na's role and would quote her lines. After that, I was certain I wanted to become an actress,” said Bonolo.
After high school, Bonolo applied and was accepted to study a two-year arts program in Johannesburg. In 2008, she earned an NQF level 5 in the arts which included drama, music and dance. She also received accreditation for computer lessons and business management.
"When I won my class's Best Dancer award, I believed that this would be my professional route. I had no idea drama would turn out to be my forte,” she said.2012 was Bonolo's first debut in a supporting part in Rhythm City. However, not long after, she encountered difficulties trying to obtain representation. She says that because she would attend auditions and never be casted, she suffered from low self-esteem issues because she felt inadequate.
In 2013 she returned home but did not love working in an office. Back home "I joined a Foundation and I loved it because I got to build a safe environment for poor kids. For me, that was me tapping into what I love that was close to the arts world," she said.
In 2015, Bonolo performed in her first professional theater play for which the late Mahlubi Kraai honoured her at Mmabana Foundation. She worked in theatre with legends like Seputla Sebogodi, Madge Kola and Peter Mashego. She also collaborated with outstanding directors like the late Mncedisi Shabangue. Bonolo says she had to push herself to accomplish things she had never done before and learned that there is no such thing as "cannot do it" as an artist.
"Acting is a talent that you are born with and develop over time. Every character will test you, so you always learn and develop. The audience will pick up on your lack of sincerity if you do not get into the character's unexplored world or build it for them. I have learned that and am still learning it,” said Bonolo.
Even with her level of experience, Bonolo says she is constantly seeking to advance her art by enrolling in professional acting lessons because the audience cannot be duped and sincerity in a character is crucial. Following that, she gave advice to aspiring actors to learn about the business side of the profession because actors can also be producers and directors.
Some of the countless television and theatre productions she has worked on are Selomotho, Splintered Pieces, The Queen, Rockville, Muvhango and some television advertisement campaigns. “In theatre, "Once Woman" was my major role play since I played a younger lead character and the production ran for three years in many provinces,” said Bonolo.
Bonolo expects big achievements this year because she will be working on a variety of projects, including one as a production manager. The exceptional actress, who is also a business owner of a Mogodu pop-up shop says that among hurdles, she learned that what is for you will never leave you and lives by the quote “Always believe and trust the process.”
