Anelisa Phewa in “Law, Love & Betrayal”: An Ode to His Father

In the gripping legal drama Law, Love & Betrayal, streaming on Showmax, actor Anelisa Phewa steps into a role that is as close to home as it gets. Phewa, known for his performances in iThemba, Unmarried, and Soon Comes the Night, portrays the sharp and cunning lawyer, James Makaula. This character, as Phewa reveals, is a tribute to his own father, a real-life lawyer, which adds an emotional depth to his performance that resonates beyond the screen.

A Deeply Personal Role

Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Phewa’s portrayal of James Makaula blends his personal experience with his family’s legacy in law. In an exclusive interview with Xabiso Ngqabe, Phewa shares how his father’s legal career influenced his interpretation of the role.

“This character is an ode to my dad,”.

he says, explaining how growing up around legal professionals shaped his understanding of the character

“My dad didn’t type very well, so I would type out his contracts and come across different legal terms like inter alia (among other things). There was a familiarity with that landscape for me.”

Phewa recounts

Despite choosing a different path from his father and brothers, who both pursued law, Phewa found a way to embody both the inner life his father passed on and the outer life his brother helped shape through teaching him the right presentation and etiquette for a lawyer.

“Together, I was able to merge the two with the material,”.

he notes

The Kobe Bryant of Lawyers

Phewa describes James Makaula as the “Kobe Bryant of the team” – a character who exudes confidence, intelligence, and a certain smoothness. As the hotshot lawyer in the firm, James is successful, earning both the reputation and financial rewards that come with being at the top of his game. But, like many layered characters, James’ seemingly perfect exterior slowly unravels as the show progresses, revealing the complexities beneath his slick facade.

“He’s street smart, even though he comes from a wealthy family. He’s the kind of guy who lives in Bryanston but still took a taxi to Wits.”

Phewa adds

This duality in James’ background – privilege mixed with a grounded understanding of street life – gives him an edge in both the boardroom and the rougher areas of the township, making him a formidable force in the courtroom.

A Reflection on Law and Justice

Phewa’s experience with Law, Love & Betrayal led him to reflect on the nature of law itself.

“The law isn’t about justice; it’s about what you can prove and being the smartest person in the room.”

One line, in particular, stayed with him:

This idea of law as a game, where justice and injustice blend into perception and proof, fascinated Phewa and became central to his portrayal of James Makaula. He acknowledges the character’s role in presenting law not just as a system of rules but as a strategic battlefield where winning often depends on intellect and skill rather than morality.

Working with a Stellar Cast

Joining a talented cast that includes Dineo Rasedile, Nimrod Nkosi, Pearl Modiadie, and Siya Sepotokele, Phewa relished the opportunity to work alongside such seasoned actors. He admits to feeling nervous at times, especially during scenes with Pearl Modiadie. However, those moments of vulnerability only strengthened the camaraderie and performances on set.

“When I saw Pearl for the first time, I said, ‘uzowuzwa’ umoya’ [you will feel the spirit],”.

he recalls, showing the depth of connection that developed between the cast members

An Industry Innovator

Phewa’s involvement in the project extended beyond acting, as he also contributed through his company, Dramatec, which provides consultancy and training for actors.

“We’re not a school; we’re a consultancy,”.

he explains, describing the unique role Dramatec plays in helping actors refine their craft

The company has previously been involved in shows like The Wife and Soon Comes Night, and their work on Law, Love & Betrayal reflects their commitment to pushing actors from “good to great.”

A Show with Local Flavor and Global Appeal

What sets Law, Love & Betrayal apart from other dramas is its local yet universal appeal.

“To see something local look international is beautiful,”.

Phewa says

The show’s depiction of brown-skinned characters thriving in places like Sandton, a wealthy Johannesburg suburb, resonates deeply with audiences. It’s a celebration of South African excellence, where the line between local authenticity and global quality is blurred, resulting in a truly captivating experience.

For Anelisa Phewa, Law, Love & Betrayal isn’t just another role; it’s a deeply personal tribute to the legacy of his father and a celebration of his roots, both on-screen and off.