Olivier SANGWA
Actor

Olivier received a grant to finance his studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique.

What is your artistic background?
I started acting in the theater workshop at my middle school in Mulhouse, with Marie-Hélène and Félix Benoist. They later became my directors in the Sans Non theater company, which we founded in 2020. During my years in middle school and high school, I have performed in all the productions. Initially, I planned to study political science. But after my first audition which I was unable to attend, then the lockdown, a phone call, and some reflection, I finally decided to join the Classe Préparatoire Egalité des Chances de la Filature de Mulhouse in 2020, under the direction of Blandine Savetier. After working there for two years, I passed the ERACM and CNSAD entrance exams. I finally chose the CNSAD because the curriculum suited me better. At the same time, in 2020, Marie-Hélène, Félix, and I created the Cie Sans Non. We created and performed two plays: J'ai Trop Peur by David Lescot (2021) and Vénavi by Rodrigue Norman and Catherine Verlaguet (2022, performed at the street theater festival in Mulhouse). Today, I have just completed my three-year training at the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique .

How do you view your profession today?
This is quite perplexing, as I don't know where to start. So my answer will only be partial. I hope to keep an optimistic point view, because we need joy to overcome the challenges that remain. This profession is great, and I think that it's important for everyone because brings us  together around a film, a series, or a play as one and the same body.

How do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, in 2030, I will still be working with my company and friends from my class and other schools, and also with different directors.
And I will have already appeared in short and feature films in France and abroad.
In 2035, well... I think I will still be working in film and theater. I will also have done some dance projects.
And maybe one or more productions of Sarah Kane...

This interview was conducted in 2025
Photography credit: Isabelle Chapuis