South African actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa has shared a deeply personal experience that left her emotionally, spiritually, and mentally shaken during the filming of a TV series, revealing just how far actors sometimes go to bring stories to life.
In a candid Instagram post tagged #storytime and #talesofathespian, the seasoned performer recounted how filming a particular initiation scene in 2020 or 2021 took a heavy toll on her well-being.
Her role, which involved being initiated into a “dark world,” left her feeling unsettled, spiritually drained, and in desperate need of prayer and cleansing after each day on set.
“My character was just dark, yena nje,” Enhle wrote. “And I needed cleansing through prayer every time I got home to separate me and her.”
She described the set environment as disturbingly realistic — complete with red candles and sage smoke that instantly filled her with unease. Even her co-stars admitted to feeling something off about the atmosphere.
“With every single take, my spirit felt a heaviness, just didn’t feel OK in the environment,” she explained.
Despite her discomfort, Enhle soldiered on in true thespian spirit, but not without struggle. She admitted to forgetting lines and feeling mentally blocked. Still, her years of experience kicked in, helping her to settle into the scene.
Then, something extraordinary happened.
“I felt carried, and the discomfort and fear just disappeared,” she said. “I’ve never felt my guides and guardian angels surround me like they did. God was present.”
A Lesson in Faith
Enhle wrapped up her message with a powerful reminder to fans and fellow creatives alike:
“KEEP GOD IN YOUR AURA AT ALL TIMES. We’re only human. We need Him.”
The post has sparked conversations about the spiritual risks actors take in embodying certain roles, and why mental and spiritual health must remain a priority in creative industries.
