The South African actor playing Jonasi Gomora, S’dumo Mtshali, in Netflix’s hit series, The Polygamist, says he would not survive living like his character in real life, christening the much-talked-about flaw of a man, an animal, ‘isilwane’.
Since its premiere on Netflix on June 12, it has been the subject of much discussion, with many expressing how Sue Nyathi’s book adaption on screen takes viewers on an emotional trip.
Jonasi, a character with multiple wives and concubines, continues to spark a debate among the diverse viewership of families, communities and couples about how their own lives are being played on the screen. 
Mtshali also speaks out on the much-talked-about show, claiming that the role personally challenged him. It chronicles the story of a married guy and a wealthy businessman who are overwhelmed by greed and lust, harbouring affairs and ultimately causing catastrophe.
He refused to answer 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐚’s queries. He couldn’t’survive dating like Jonasi’ because the character was so promiscuous.
“He is an animal…” It’s just that playing that character is such an intriguing learning experience. As Black folks, we celebrate foolishness. That is ridiculous. And the fact that, even on his deathbed, he neglects his own children. It’s extremely awful. We have to stop it, beginning with the little children,” Mtshali said, adding that if he could give the series a different name, it would be Men’s Conference.
He also spoke to TV Mzansi; Mtshali said he had read the book and the script but couldn’t put it down.
“I thought to myself, This is fun. This is a great journey for me as an artist and storyteller. You’ve done other work, and you start reflecting on it and think, ‘I’ve done this in this way; I’ve done that in that way… but what is the real message with this character?’ ‘What am I truly trying to say through this role? And what am I trying to say, as Sdumo Mtshali, honestly and truthfully, through this story? That’s what really got me excited,” he said.
He also highlighted the US controversial music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s trial. He was convicted last year on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution in New York. More serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy were acquitted, leading to a substantial reduction of his jail term.
With everything going on in our culture, it’s interesting to note that the Diddy trial was taking place about the same time. When you start looking at that, you’ll notice references everywhere. Even with people we know in this country, people we like, who live big lives that appear to be beautiful and dazzling on the surface. As an artist, you learn to think differently. You become excited by those layers. “I was very excited for this one,” he remarked.
Many people complimented Mtshali for his compelling portrayal of Jonasi. Co-stars Gugu Gumede, Celeste Ntuli, Kenneth Nkosi, and S’thandiwe Koroke are equally compelling, receiving positive reviews, as audiences witness the claws of missing fathers, adultery, financial reliance, toxic masculinity, and societal demands imposed on women.
