Zenobia Kloppers on The “Happy Happenstance”
Actors often wait years to see a single project reach the screen, but for Zenobia Kloppers, the stars have aligned. Kloppers recently found herself in the middle of a rare “double premiere”, with the South African drama 180 and the American horror film Hive both debuting on the same day across different platforms. Spling sat down with Zenobia to discuss this magical milestone, her foray into horror, and the “uncomfortable truths” of being a performer in 2026.
From Tape Recorders to Top Billing
Zenobia’s journey didn’t start on a red carpet, but in a musical home in Namibia, armed with a tape recorder and a relentless imagination. Finding out about what led her to the performance arts and what she wanted to be when she grew up, she was quick to respond.
“I was one of those kids that I kind of… came out of the womb singing and acting. My family’s very musical… arty kind of people. So I think I get it from them. We were always busy as kids… playing, putting on little plays and singing for everyone at family gatherings. I was always the one that had to sing. So I’ve always wanted to be an actress and a singer. That’s actually what I always wanted to be. Children should be encouraged to use their imaginations and to pretend to be pirates and monsters. The imagination is such an important part of being a human being.”
The April 17th Miracle
The simultaneous release of 180 and Hive wasn’t a calculated marketing ploy, but a “happy happenstance” that Zenobia decided to embrace fully. Asked about this rare alignment and how she felt, Zenobia shared her thoughts.
“It’s kind of magic, really. 180 is a beautiful little role I really wanted to do with producer Layla Swart. And then a couple of months after I filmed that, I got Hive, which is a much bigger role in an American horror film. We were waiting and waiting… then we heard both are coming out on the 17th of April. It doesn’t happen often for us as actors, being in two major films premiering at the same time on two different platforms. It’s the stars aligning.”
Breaking the “Mother” Typecast
While she’s a staple of South African drama – most notably for her iconic turn in Fiela se Kind – Hive represents a significant stylistic shift: her first major foray into the horror genre.
In Hive, Zenobia plays a housekeeper and survivor who “hides in plain sight”. She moves away from the “mother figure” roles she is often sought for, working with director Felipe Vargas, who is great at jump scares and practical effects.
“Stylistically, everything has a tiny bit of a difference when you’re playing in different genres. I try to bring the same level of commitment to all characters, but I was lucky to play with Felipe because he’s so collaborative. I’m just happy to explore different characters… no role is too small.”
The Reality of the “Side Hustle” in 2026
Despite her international success – including a stint on the high-fantasy blockbuster The Wheel of Time – Zenobia remains remarkably candid about the financial realities of the industry today. When asked about what advice or uncomfortable truth she would share with a performer starting out in 2026, she didn’t mince words.
“Don’t expect to get rich. In South Africa, that’s just not true. We are workers like everybody else. You are going to have to do other stuff to survive – writing, teaching, having a side hustle. If you are serious, climb into it with both feet. No one’s going to come up to you in a shop and go, ‘Oh, you look like the lead for my next film.’ You have to audition. Always.”
Looking Ahead: Sci-Fi Dreams and Directing
Zenobia isn’t just acting; she’s taking the director’s chair, mentored by Brett Michael Innes. After the success of her short film Riel, she has her sights set on a feature film and, perhaps, a trip to the TARDIS.
“I’m a super fantasy and sci-fi freak. I really, really want to be in an episode or two of Doctor Who – that’s the ultimate. Anything Lord of the Rings related, Star Trek or Star Wars. That’s the dream.”
