Nikeata Thompson, actress and choreographer, was born in the UK and has established a celebrated career in Germany …
Initially a champion hurdler, she transitioned to dance at 19, becoming a leading figure in the German hip-hop scene. Her choreography spans major tours and collaborations with Oscar winning actor Tom Hanks, Dancehall musician Sean Paul, and DJ Robin Schulz.
Through her NT Dance Agency, Thompson has left her creative mark on shows like The Voice of Germany and Germany’s Next Top Model. Now venturing into acting, she stars in Apple TV+’s first German-language series, Where’s Wanda?
Where’s Wanda? is a dark comedy following Dedo and Carlotta Klatt as they take matters into their own hands after their daughter, Wanda, goes missing. With help from their tech-savvy son, Ole, their amateur surveillance uncovers hidden lives among their neighbours.
We spoke to Thompson about her role in Where’s Wanda? …
Please introduce yourself …
Hi. My name is Nikeata Thompson. I’m an actress, choreographer, CEO of my dance agency NT Agency Berlin, best-selling author and a Leo. I’m a Black European born in Birmingham, UK, who grew up in Germany and now lives in Berlin.
Describe your life in one word or sentence …
Extraordinary.
Why Where’s Wanda?
To me life is about overcoming challenges and exploring my talents. I’m gradually moving deeper into the world of acting. I was immediately drawn to the idea of playing the role of a detective. In Where’s Wanda? I play Detective Michelle Rauch which is my first role in the main cast alongside Heike Makatsch and Axel Stein. And this, for the first German Apple TV+ production. I didn’t have to think twice.
A Character Flaw?
I wouldn’t call it a flaw, but rather a difference from the role in regards to my own personal character. I have to admit that keeping a straight face at all times was one of the most challenging parts of playing Michelle Rauch, even though I must say I really enjoyed playing the tough cookie.
Best Qualities?
I’d describe her as much more factual than I am and generally very demure. I loved getting to explore her more objective approach on the case and on life. I also love the grounded, dry humour that Michelle brings to the chaos, balancing the comedic actions of the Klatt family. And not to forget her style. The 70s inspired outfits are everything.
What does the story of Where’s Wanda mean to you personally?
The story highlights what it means to have a real, tight-knit family bond. And it shoes how far people will go to save their loved ones. I also think it shows how any, and every family holds their secrets, that you would know nothing about from seeing their, public personality, and how it’s important to never judge a book by its cover when it comes to people and the impression you get from them. Behind closed doors everyone is fighting their own battles you know nothing about.
Tell us about a challenging moment during this project that you had to dig deep to get through it?
I tend to have very high expectations for myself. It’s just how I function and reach my goals. My personal challenge with this role in particular was to let go of my demand for external perfection and to fully immerse myself in the character of Michelle Rauch.
Favourite line Michelle says …
It’s in the scene where the Klatts come into my office, to look at a T-shirt as evidence. “Frau Klatt, wenn sie die Nadel im Heuhaufen suchen dann gehen sie da nicht mit einem Laubbläser ran, sondern mit einer Pinzette!” translation – “Ms. Klatt, if you’re looking for a needle in a haystack, you wouldn’t go there with a leaf blower, but with tweezers!”
Michelle Rauch. really tries to stay cool, calm and collected in any situation, but being confronted with the Klatts’ behaviour and their ridiculous ideas on how to solve the case themselves she has no choice but to kindly show them their place.
Lets get political. How does Where’s Wanda? contribute positively to black storytelling?
A more inclusive approach regarding diversity on screen always starts with the casting. It’s essential for any society that all viewers can watch the series and feel represented in the cast. In this project it’s reflected in the aspirations of Apple TV+ as an international high profile streamer with Franziska An der Gassen as German General Lead, in the great work of UFA Fiction producer Nataly Kudiabor, as well as in the work of casting director Nina Haun. These three women have brought their authentic vision to the screen and in my opinion they did a fantastic job on moving the German industry another step in the right direction. And I’m very proud to play my part in breaking open the stereotypes and pushing for change with this series.
The fact that I, as a black European woman, gets to play a lead investigator for the criminal investigation department would have been sadly quite unthinkable a few years ago. I started my acting journey 13 years ago with my first big movie production in 2011. However, it’s all about getting the opportunities to prove your skills and talent and as we all know showing your talent is only possible by getting the chances to do so. And playing roles speaking broken German or any strong foreign accent, isn’t really what I envisioned for myself as a very specific image is portrayed, which does not contribute to the social acceptance of non-white people in our society. And that’s certainly not what I stand for. The roles in Where’s Wanda?, however, were not typecast but rather chosen in a 3-dimensional way, based on talent, look, and emotion. It’s about opportunity and visibility.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU …
What Are You Watching? Just recently I discovered a whole new genre for myself. I love a good Horror movie every once in a while. But also other genres. I’m currently watching a series called The OA which I highly recommend, when you’re interested in the depth of human connection and are open to the spiritual world.
What are you reading? I’m currently re-reading my own autobiography actually. I am trying to make sense of some experiences from the past, which I have to figure out my own timeline. Having written a best-selling autobiography in 2021 is a big help. Schwarz auf weiß – Trau dich zu träumen und schaff das Unmögliche is currently only available in german but who knows what the future has in store.
The last film you watched? RocknRolla (2008) directed by Guy Ritchie.
The last play you saw? The last play I saw was called Planet B at Maxim Gorki Theater in Berlin starring one of my castmates from Pauline the Disney+ series. It was great to see my co-star Dimitrij Schaad act on stage.
What’s next? As I said earlier I’m happy to be diving deeper into acting, as well as writing stories to take on new challenges and creating opportunities for myself and others to grow and experience new things. I cant wait for what’s to come.
Where can we find you? Instagram @nikeatathompson / TikTok @nikeatathompsonofficial
Where can we watch your work? In Where’s Wanda? only on Apple TV+ as Detective Michelle Rauch.
As well as in Pauline on Disney+ and Hulu, in which I play Carla the mum of the main character. A very different character from Detective Rauch. I’d love to know which one you like better. Have fun while binging.