Vera Ephraim

EARLY LIFE

Vera Nkechi Anenyeonu, professionally known as Vera Ephraim, was born in Edo state, Nigeria, but hails from Anambra state. She lost her parents at a very young age and was raised by her siblings. Early in her life, she decided to pursue a career in the performing arts, an unusual choice for a girl at that time and place. Without her family's full support, she moved to Lagos and joined the renowned African Heritage Ambassadors Dance Company, where she received her dancing and acting training and subsequently went on tour in Europe.

CAREER

Vera Ephraim's passion for acting and dancing led her to combine both professions. She founded her own dance company, Vera’s Danse Hauz, and choreographed and staged various pieces. She featured in Nollywood movies, theatre productions, commercials, and TV series in Nigeria. On stage, she performed with notable artists such as Femi Kuti, Hugh Masakela, and Orlando Julius, and also worked with Lavelle Smith Jr., a renowned choreographer for Michael Jackson and Beyoncé. She was nominated for and won the title of best-featured Dancer in Nigeria, an award organized by Amen awards. Later, in Manchester, U.K., she studied and obtained a diploma in performing arts, specializing in acting, scriptwriting, and directing. Her work in the U.K. included short films and a TV documentary for Channel 4, and she served as an assistant director for the stage play 'Greed Need and Slavery Part 1 & 2'. She also directed the stage play 'My Taste of Freedom' at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester and worked as a movement adviser. She engaged in theatre in education, facilitating dance workshops for inmates and young people in the North-West of the UK. After moving to South Africa, Vera extended her career, featuring in top drama series like Generations, Intersextions, Jacobs Cross, 7de Laan, and Room 9, as well as the award-winning movie 'Sink'. She continued her work as a Dancer/Choreographer, staging several pieces, and has appeared in over 20 commercials. More recently, she was invited to feature in the Nigerian series 'Castle&Castle'. Her short film, 'Omena', serves as a preliminary exercise for a feature film she plans to produce in the future.

PERSONAL LIFE

Vera Ephraim uses her father's first name, 'Ephraim,' as her professional name to honor his supportive presence in her life. She dedicates attention to socially disadvantaged individuals, involving them in dance projects in places like Cape Town and Johannesburg, as she understands the power of expression and joy that performing arts can bring.