Johannesburg – In all aspects of society, there are phenomenal women who are making a difference in the lives of those around them while also striving to new heights. This Women’s Month, The Saturday Star will be profiling some of the nation’s leading ladies.
Growing up in Joburg, Shannon Esra was cast in her first professional acting role at 16, playing Siri in the feature film “I Dreamed of Africa”, alongside Kim Basinger and Daniel Craig.
In 2003, Shannon graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dramatic arts from the University of the Witwatersrand and found herself debuting in her first professional theatre production at Pieter Torien’s Monte Casino Theatre that same year.
It may come as a surprise that the theatre is where she first cut her teeth; but it was her portrayal of Neets in Dorothy Ann Gould’s 2004 theatre production “Japes”, which garnered Shannon The Naledi Award for best performance by a newcomer/breakthrough (female), as well as a Fleur du Cup nomination for best supporting actress.
In 2021, Shannon made unprecedented South African TV history with her character Sandra Stein, the ruthless and most sought-after criminal attorney, who represents various characters across the Mzansi Magic platform. Sandra Stein has crossed over between “The Queen”, “The River”, “The Throne”, the latest Mzansi offering, “Gomora”, as well as MNET’s Legacy.
Shannon also headlined M-Net’s hit show “Lioness”, a family thriller about a woman who loses her children, her lover, and her freedom when she is framed for fraud committed by her husband before his death; only to discover, eight years later (after serving half her jail sentence), while trying to reunite with her son and daughters that he is still alive.
She fights to prove her innocence, set the record straight, and get her children back. Shannon’s portrayal of Samantha Hugo (“Lioness”) has earned her a Safta nomination for best actress in a TV drama, which will air this September 2022.
In May of this year, Shannon wrapped up filming Season 2 of “Lioness”, which is due for release in January 2023.
And as of 30 July 2022, Shannon wrapped up filming on a new feature film, which remains under lock and key – very hush hush – until she is given the go-ahead to talk about it.
In 2020, Shannon starred alongside an all-star cast in M-Net’s “Still Breathing”, the gripping and deeply moving drama series about a group of old friends who have drifted apart but are suddenly brought together when tragedy strikes, causing forgotten wounds to break open, old flames of passion to rekindle and buried secrets to finally be uncovered. Shannon is almost unrecognisable in her vulnerable portrayal of Candice Burton.
Shannon’s other TV credits include the misguided, cult-following, self-mutilating girlfriend of Kyle Ortlepp, Yvette Meyer in “Isidingo”; the lead role of Caz O’Donough in M-Net’s drama series “Snitch”; she was a main credited cast member in the second and third seasons of the SABC3 drama series “Hard Copy”, playing hard-edged journalist Kim Smollen; as well as Samantha Mazur in The Lab.
Shannon returned to “Isidingo” in 2015 where she played Angelique Scott (yup, she’s played two different characters on the same show!); Shannon starred alongside Eric Stoltz, playing his estranged and embittered ex-wife, in the International Sci-Fi mini-series “The Triangle”; and she also played the romantic lead Katie in Darryl James Roodt’s rugby feature film “Number Ten”.
In 2007, Esra made Bollywood history by being the first Caucasian female in a starring role, which saw her in a star-studded cast, as one of the six heroines in the Bollywood film Salaam-E-Ishq. Shannon also starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in BBC 2’s highly anticipated, “The Game Changers” in late 2015.
Midway through 2016, Shannon was on set with Lawrence Fishburne, in the BET Biopic, Madiba.
Effusive, dynamic, charming, and wildly passionate about her craft, Shannon is not merely an Actress who can portray a wide array of characters; she is also an outstanding public speaker, and voice artist, making her an asset to any event, production or commercial.
In her words:
How do you enjoy spending your free time:
Free time is an interesting concept for me at the moment - for most of my adult life, I spent a great deal of time, consuming as much film and television content as I could. Now, I find myself becoming far more intentional with what I watch, and what I participate in. I find myself longing to attach energy to more mindful practices, like yoga, and walking. I am trying to get back into a gym routine but winter makes me so lazy! I love listening to music, walking my dog, painting (when inspiration strikes!), I love nature and photography, going for an early morning coffee with my partner, spending time with loved ones, and chats with friends. I love experiencing a delicious plate of food or even spending a little time preparing something in the kitchen. I'll admit, that I used to do a lot more cooking than I do now - I am trying to revitalize my passion for cooking.
Lockdown put a tremendous strain on that passion, but perhaps in time, I will find myself getting lost in the kitchen again, who knows? I am consciously trying to fill my free time with me-time. I have come to realize that I place a lot of self-worth in my work. So when I am not working, that part of me stirs and I feel anxious, and without purpose. I am consciously looking to find peace and worth in my quiet moments.
How would you describe your acting career so far?
I have been so incredibly fortunate to work the way I do. There is not one day that passes when I do not feel immense gratitude for my career. It has come with a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice - as all things that are worth doing do. It is truly one of my deepest loves - being an actor. Being able to embody a character, fill their shoes and breathe life, meaning, and purpose into them brings me so much joy and fulfilment. I love stories! I love the art of storytelling - we create pockets of magic!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I think being a judge for last year's Miss South Africa pageant goes down as a serious highlight for me. The experience took me by surprise, completely. And it had a deep and meaningful impact on me – to be a part of these women's journey toward growth, development, and empowerment. I was in awe of their bravery, their tenacity, their vulnerability… to be on the inside to witness it… it was very special.