Last year, I went and saw August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, directed by Phylicia Rashad at the Mark Taper theatre at the L.A. Music Center. The play was amazing. The acting was captivating and the storyline kept me enthralled every minute. And that was the first time I laid eyes on Nija Okoro. She played the character of Dussie Mae and whenever she hit the stage she shined brightly. With a sassy attitude, striking face and Tina Turner-esque body, she was perfection. It was a pleasure to interview her and shoot her for Cachet. We had a great time and her earthy spirit radiates like a beacon. Nija is definitely one to watch and I can’t wait to see how her acting career progresses over the next year.
Bred in South Bronx, Nija later attended the prestigious Julliard after a successful career as a social worker in the Bronx. Okoro is showing young girls everywhere that pursuing your dreams helps the unattainable become well within one’s grasp. Graduating with honors with a BA from psychology from City College of NY was just a well earned pitstop before she launched her career full heartedly into the acting world. After playing Jo in The Legend of Georgia McBride Nija Okoro’s portrayal was described as “radiantly gritty” by Charles McNulty of the Los Angeles Times. Cachet Digital met up with Okoro for an exclusive interview and photoshoot to introduce our readers to the young talented actress.
Who is Nija?
I’m from the Bronx so I definitely have down to earth NY way about me. I love people so I tend to meet new folk everywhere I go. I am usually smiling about something. My middle name is Happy so I guess I live up to it.
How did your background influence who you are today?
Well, being where I’m from I certainly had a lot of people tell me what I can’t do. What’s not possible. They didn’t mean no harm. They were just speaking the truth as they saw it. Or it was a mindset handed down to them. My mother has always encouraged me. She’s always believed in me. I don’t know who or where I’d be without her. So I’d like to be an example, one of these days, of what is possible to some inner-city kid. I’d like to do for someone what she continues to do for me. I’d love to help others own their dream.
Tell us a little about your pathway into entertainment?
My mother enrolled me in Harlem School of the Arts when I was a kid. I fell in love with acting there. School always came easy to me but acting was my first real challenge. And I loved it. I knew I wanted to act when I did my first play My Fair Lady and played Eliza Doolittle. I’m so glad I don’t remember that performance because I’m sure I would cringe. Im praying there’s no video of that show!
I know you do both theatre and on screen. What is most challenging about both mediums and what do you enjoy the most? How does theatre compare to on screen performing?
The challenge in theatre is what makes it the most thrilling for me. It’s live. Each audience is different. Each night things change. Mistakes happen. You must let go of what happened the night before. You must be fully present and find new things each time. You gotta be willing to play or it goes flat and rote. For each theatre performance you get one shot. With film you get multiple takes. So it’s possible no one will ever see your worst take. But there’s a finality to film because one it’s cut it lives forever. So there’s wonderful aspects and challenges in both mediums.
What was your favorite role you’ve acted in thus far and why?
Camae in a play called The Mountaintop by Katori Hall. Camae was all kinds of fun to play. She’s hilarious and seemingly light but she is actually carrying the weight of a dark past with her. She’s so full and rich. Just a joy for an actress to play. The writing is brilliant. I’d love to revisit that play.
Who is your favorite comedian?
Right now I’m loving Tiffany Haddish. I adore anyone who is willing to share who they are without trying to pretty it up. She is honest and it adds to her shine. I also love Jerod Carmichael and his show.. I hate that it got cancelled. It was genius.
What is your all time favorite comedy movie and why?
Back in the days it was Dumb and Dumber. Ugh! I had the giggles for days.
When you date what do you look for personality wise?
I love a man who knows who he is and enjoys being a leader. He needs to love what he does, whatever that may be. I’ll straight up swoon for a man who enjoys serving others. There’s nothing like a man who thinks in terms of servicing a greater purpose. And he has to make me laugh!
What is next on the horizon for you?
I’ll be shooting a film in Kentucky called Red River. It’s a wonderful thriller about the the effects of the Iraqi war on a small town. Also, a film adaptation of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House starring Sir Ben Kingsley is in the works.
What words of advice do you have for young actors that are in high school deciding what to do as they approach adult hood?
Listen to your inner voice. I call it God. You will be guided if you listen and trust yourself. Something my mentor, Phylicia Rashad, said years ago that I keep close is to watch your company. Don’t hang around folk that constantly talk about how hard this business is. Choose to be around people who are uplifting. Also, have fun! This craft is wonderful. You’ll be stretched in more ways than you can imagine..
What would you have told yourself at 16?
I would say Nija, you are enough.. You do not need to prove your worth. Or deny it. You have everything you need. Do look to anyone to declare your worthiness. No one can do that. You have been given a gift and it is your job to nurture and share it. Don’t try to fit a mold. Be bold and dare to break it.
Was there a particular moment or experience that made you realize you were on the right track in terms of your career?
Getting into Juilliard was a nice indication. I thought no way I’ll get in. I only auditioned to get over the fear of auditioning for the great unattainable Juilliard. I didn’t want to live with the thought that I never auditioned because I was scared. Not only did I get in but I got a full scholarship. I knew it must be some sort of sign. And it was nothing like what I imagined it to be. Everyone was so real and nurturing. I’m so grateful I got over myself and auditioned. The training is stellar.
Who is your favorite playwright?
I love August Wilson. He was a poet. A truth-teller. A sage. His characters are multi-dimensional. It’s been said that he loved each and every character he wrote. I think that love showed in his ability to write them so honestly. I’ve had the pleasure of doing two Wilson plays. I am a better artist because of those experiences. With Wilson you must rise to challenge. He demands your full instrument.
What excites you most about where the entertainment world is right now?
I love how we are beginning to see more diverse stories being told. We have a long way to go. But there is definitely a shift on the horizon. And there are so many more options for television programming. I can’t keep up with all of the wonderful shows. This also means there are more opportunities for work than ever.
How do you unplug or unwind from the stress of your career?
Going to plays, hiking, museums, reading and cooking are all ways I decompress. And of course a good chat fest with a friend never hurts.
Make sure to keep an eye out for Nija as Deb in Red River which is out in 2018. Also follow her on ig via @nijaokoro! For all things Nija Okoro visit nijaokoro.com.
Since graduating Juilliard, Nija has had the privilege of appearing on television shows like Southland, Medium, ER, Hail Mary and recurred on TNT’s Monday Mornings. She has worked at theatres around the country some of her favorites include the Geffen Playhouse, the Mark Taper Forum, the McCarter Theatre, Sundance Institute and the La Jolla Playhouse. Nija has also worked on several independent films and web series.
Also, in addition to her recently filmed recurring roles on HBO’s Insecure and Crackle’s StartUp, Nija will appear in the upcoming film adaptation of A Doll’s House starring Sir. Ben Kingsley and produced by Cinema Alterna. – NijaOkoro.com
Photography & Creative Direction: Cachet Digital -Lena Ocean
Make Up:Cindy Sin
