Welcome to Culture Footprint, featuring one of the people of God making a difference in the world today, aiming to be an inspiring presence and telling the story of Christ in the culture.
Israel Oyelumade is an actor, who recently starred as Olaudah Equiano, the freed African slave who became one of the leading black figures in the movement to abolish the slave trade, in the theatre production of African Snow. He worked as an Artistic Director of Brighton Dome Youth Theatre, which stands as a product of excellence and professional industry for young hopefuls.
Israel is an Ambassador for the Prince's Trust.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
At first I wanted to become a Barrister, like my Father, but I realised I would be much too emotional. Then I wanted to be a famous scientist who discovered a breakthrough cure. Mercifully, I was led to pursue the acting profession.
How did you get involved in acting?
After watching the famous TV broadcast of “Roots” I knew that I had to become an actor.So I took part in as many acting projects as possible-- school, youth clubs etc.In 1995 I entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the rest is history.
Who has been the biggest influence in your work?
My faith and my wife Catharine. Being a Christian is a powerful part of who I am as a man, husband, father and an actor. Truth and passion are fundamentals to everything I do. The greatest man to ever walk this planet is Jesus, I truly believe that. The perfect role model.
What would you do with a million quid?
I would buy a family home in the country- not grandiose. Then I would set up an organisation that enabled youngsters to realise their God-given dreams through demonstrating the power of choice…life choices. I would equip them to demonstrate, nurture and lead.Leading a horse to water is one thing, I am more interested in showing how to sustain its intake of water. Once a year we would hold a garden party for the youngsters who society has conveniently forgotten, along with relevant charities of my choice, I would invite true role models from sport and media. A day of pure inspiration and celebration.
What is the big issue you are facing in acting?
At present we do not have enough opportunity to work on projects that edify and increase our society’s moral fibre. The loss of conviction and integrity is taking place on Compromise Corner, and nobody is really doing anything about it. Our industry seems to be getting smaller and smaller. Hence our Elite are all going across the Atlantic.
Who would you least like to share a taxi with?
Robert Mugabe – I really couldn’t trust what I might say or do.
What Christian story or biblical text motivates you in your work?
God works all things together for good for those who are called according to his purpose. Also – The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord.In a profession that requires faith all the time, it is comforting to hold on to those scriptures.
What one piece of advice would you give someone starting in acting?
Go to drama school. Learn your craft. And never stop dreaming.
Tell us one of your most hilarious faux pas.
Whilst doing the play Valpone by Ben Jonson at the Royal Shakespeare Company I missed my scene because I was in deep conversation, drink in hand and in my costume, out by the green over looking the Avon. Ooops.
M.L. King Jr had a dream for society. What is yours?
A Society where the hospitals are empty, schools are full. Where families are not a thing of the past and fathers fulfil their god-given duty.A society where under age pregnancy is once in a very blue moon.And a church whose vision is on the pulse of the nation’s concerns.
What is the main hindrance to living the dream?
Self and a gross lack of responsibility - nobody wants to take blame or ownership of our social problems.
What do you do to relax?
You might not believe this but I love to go to the movies or spend time on the beach in Brighton with my family, or we try to get away into the country.
Which movie character do you most relate to?
Bond…James Bond…Mmm well, I’ve always wanted to be a spy…!
What makes you most angry?
Prejudice/ Racism
Who would you put in a celebrity Big Brother house?
Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Barack Obama
What’s the worst rejection you’ve ever had?
Being snubbed in a press photo shoot.
What is your greatest extravagance?
l’Oreal skin care range, and my palm pilot. (Because I’m worth it…?)
What would you like to be remembered for?
Being a Father to a generation. A role model.
What is your least/most "green" credential?
I love long showers and deep baths…My most green credential is my wife…. since she is a recycle queen!
Who would you invite to your desert island?
Dr M L King. Smith Wigglesworth. Mohammed ALI
What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
My Family, my bible and my CD collection.
What would ‘shalom’ in the arts and drama look like 10 years from now?
For there to be peace in the arts first the world would need to lead the way. Then, we can educate and inform life once again through our medium. Shalom must mean freedom to express from the heart of man and touch humanity.
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Culture Footprint: Phil Schluter Phil Schluter runs a family coffee business founded in 1858, which specialises in African coffees. The enterprise trades in a socially responsible and ethical manner. Phil grew up in Kenya, did most of his education in the UK, lived in Switzerland for 16 years, and has been in Liverpool since 2009. He is married to Helen, and they have four kids under the age of seven – Luc, Jasmine, Gabriel and Josselin.
Culture Footprint: Bridget Adams Bridget Adams started her working life as a physicist in university and government laboratories before moving into the high-tech business sector where she worked in sales, marketing, management, and consultancy. Bridget now works to help start, develop and network Christian-run businesses, and runs WorkPlace Inspired. Business as Mission is one of her passions.
Culture Footprint: Theresa Stone Theresa studied English Literature at Goldsmiths University in London, before doing a multi-media journalism masters at Bournemouth University. She has worked freelance at Premier Christian Radio, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Micah Challenge International. She is now the prayer & communications coordinator for 24-7 Prayer UK. Theresa has a passion for prayer, church unity, mission, justice, and telling God stories.
Culture Footprint: Steve Legg Steve is an evangelist from Littlehampton in West Sussex who has travelled the length and breadth of the UK and internationally for the last 25 years using a daft mix of comedy, trickery, mystery and escapology to communicate the gospel. He has also written 13 books and these days devotes a lot of time to running Sorted Magazine. Originally from Bournemouth, he became a Christian as a teenager at a Boys’ Brigade camp. Steve loves a good curry, never misses Eggheads on BBC2 and plays badminton every day.
Culture Footprint: Andy Silver Andy Silver is director of Pop Connection. A Welshman, born in Cardiff, he studied music at Cardiff University and then taught for a number of years. Andy gave up teaching to do a theology course which led him to work in a church as music director and youth/children's worker in Southampton. Next, he became director of training at Capernwray in the Lake District and then joined the staff at Elmwood Church Salford in 2000, where he started working in primary schools using music to create a long-term relationship between school and church. Pop Connection is a charity aiming to unite schools, churches and communities through the power of music.
Date Created: 28 November 2008
Last Modified: 25 March 2009
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