A crack at stardom
> Former soap opera star Alin Sumarwata relishes her new role as a member of the elite Section 20 covert team in Strike Back
“They were concentrating on casting the four lead actors, so I did my audition in Los Angeles,” she said, adding that she underwent several auditions, including going to London for a screen test, before being cast.
Husband Hany, who had worked with the producers on a previous project, was cast later.
When asked what was the most difficult thing she had to do on the show, Alin laughingly alluded to the “love scenes”, but added that speaking Arabic was the biggest challenge for her as she is not familiar with the language. “In terms of maybe the action stuff, anything involving vehicles ... is a bit cumbersome, but everything else may [have been] a bit difficult, but it was fun.” Alin described the preparation for the show as “intense”, as it also included boot camp training. The actors had four months to prepare themselves before actual shooting started. Other than bootcamp, where they learned to fire guns and undergo some basic militarystyle training, Alin also took it upon herself to find physical trainers to prepare her to carry out the more physical aspects of the show.
It also helps that she is trained in kickboxing.
Strike Back has a legacy involving great characters, especially Stonebridge and Scott, who left some big shoes to fill.
Alin said: “We have been handed a legacy coming on a show like this. We are lucky that it already has this incredible following. At the same time, it is a bit of a challenge to continue where these guys left off.
“I think the series is about relatable characters in extraordinary situations. I approach my character as someone who comes from a working class family and, therefore, is very relatable.
“She has many challenges and struggles in life, and you see her achievements in the army and the challenges of being in Section 20, and the missions they undertake.”
Surprisingly, her years spent working in soap operas actually did help her.
“Strike Back has a demanding schedule, plus stunts and explosions,” said Alin. “It was crazy.
“The thing I learned from soaps was getting things done on schedule. You have to give all you have got in that one take.”