As Adulting Season 3 heads into its finale this Saturday, 19 April 2025, award-nominated actor Nhlanhla Kunene is offering a gift to aspiring performers: a compelling Showmax Masterclass that dives deep into the emotional complexity of character work — with a strong focus on portraying men with authenticity, vulnerability, and truth.
Best known for his raw and riveting performance as Eric in Adulting — a role that earned him a SAFTA nomination — Nhlanhla unpacks how performance becomes a tool for healing, reflection, and social commentary. Adulting holds the record for the most views in the first 10 days after launch of any title on Showmax since its relaunch, and Eric’s journey has become a fan favourite for its emotional depth and relatability.
“Performance isn’t just about acting — it’s healing. To reflect someone’s reality, you must research deeply, live in their shoes, and honour their truth.”
Nhlanhla says in the Masterclass
In this intimate lesson, Nhlanhla draws from his upbringing in Ladysmith and Ivory Park, sharing how those lived experiences inform the way he approaches characters like Eric — a man shaped by poverty, fatherhood, and hustle culture. He challenges performers to go beyond surface-level portrayals and embody the emotional weight carried by real men in communities often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
He tells a poignant story of a local role model, a man named Sipho, who outwardly seemed to have life figured out but was quietly battling his own struggles.
“It’s a reminder that everyone carries hidden burdens. As actors, it’s our job to bring those silent stories to life.”
Nhlanhla reflects
The Masterclass also emphasizes the importance of breaking harmful stereotypes, particularly those surrounding Black masculinity. By exploring topics like emotional repression, economic pressure, and generational trauma, Nhlanhla aims to shift the narrative and humanize characters who are too often reduced to tropes.
“My hope is that my performances help others feel seen, understood, and healed. Acting isn’t about fame – it’s about reflecting truth and inspiring empathy.”
he says
Catch all three seasons of Adulting — including the explosive finale — streaming now on Showmax from 19 April 2025.
