Mario d'Offizi, author of Bless Me Father
Mario d'Offizi, author of Bless Me Father, talks to us.
CapeTownpoet and writer Mario d'Offizi hit the headlines recently as itbecame known that his yet-to-be-released autobiography, Bless MeFather, exposed the founder of Boys' Town (and then Bishop ofJohannesburg) as a sexual predator.
Bless Me Father is is now actually hitting the shelves - we caught up with Mario about the book, the media scandal, life in advertising and other such stuff.
Q: Much fuss has been made of the whole Boys' Town / Bishop Orsmond thing, but Bless Me Father is not actually about that. What is the book about?
A: Bless Me Father is an autobiography, sparked by my mis-adventure to the DRC in June of 2006. After writing the first draft of the Congo story, there was an opportunity to include other journeys from my past. When in the DRC, I was mostly in a 'church' environment with various pastors, lots of orphans too, and this just started opening up the past for me, particularly my years at Nazareth House and Boys' Town where I grew up under the care of nuns and priests.
Q: How freaky was the whole media 'skandal' for you to deal with personally?
A: The 'media scandal' was difficult to cope with. I was expecting hate mail and abusive messages. On the contrary, I only received calls of encouragement and support. It was particularly difficult for my wife and family, being in the limelight and not knowing what to expect.
Q: Positive aspects of the whole media explosion?
A: It was emotionally very draining as I had told a rather embarrassing story about my past: the Boys' Town story. I was opening myself up to the world. What was really positive was that others have since approached the press - albeit anonymously - to confirm my story. I have received two calls from an ex Boys' Town pupil presently living overseas who has asked me to keep his identity confidential until he is ready to come forward. He has been in touch with the Church here in SA for nearly four years asking for an apology; which he has not received to date. He has read the chapter describing my ordeal and his response was that it was the same 'modus operandi' used to seduce him. (his words).
Q: Bless Me Father has only just been released, but what has the reaction been like so far?
A: Pretty good. People are pestering me on a daily basis as to where and when they can buy copies, there has been some interst from film makers etc. It's early days yet though, so we'll see...
Q: You're a poet as well?
A: So they say. I had my first two poems broadcast by SABC (Kalendar, was the name of the programme) when I was just sixteen years old. I've been writing poems ever since. Not as much as I'd like though. I only put them down when they 'nag' me. I believe that the best poems are the one's lived and not penned. Sounds like a feeble cop-out, doesn't it? But it's true.
Q: What next for you publishing wise?
A: I'm not sure. I'd love to get more involved in screenplay writing. We'll be bringing out my first poetry anthology next year, which will be good.
Q: How would you summarise your many years in the advertising business?
A: As the old 'cliché' goes: advertising is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! I really enjoyed most of my 25 years in the industry. I met some incredibly talented people along with some egotistical arseholes. Advertising gave me lots of opportunities to travel on recordings and TV shoots, and to meet some incredible actors, musicians and personalities. A highlight was going to New York in 1996 to do a shoot of the Harlem Globetrotters for a promotional campaign for Engen. Advertising also honed my writing skills, teaching me the art of précis. Having always written poetry, copywriting suited me.
Q: What advice do you have for young writers / poets looking to start their careers?
A: Be patient?.very, very patient. Don't write for the money or the glory. If the work is good, these things will follow spontaneously; hopefully. Mostly, be true to yourself. And of course, try to keep it simple.
Q: Are you the only white male in Cape Town that doesn't drive car?
A: I know of only one other white male in Cape Town who doesn't drive a car. I'm a good horseman though!
Q: Your favourite drink?
A: Windhoek Lager. I also like Jaggermeister.
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What Others Said
nina115 said
on 11 August 2009badly written and in bad taste. disgusting