SA actors feature in ‘Roots’ on e.tv
THE internationally acclaimed drama Roots, starring Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Anna Paquin and Malachi Kirby, and featuring local stars Nokuthula Ledwaba, Mbulelo Grootboom and Nandi Nyembe, makes its free-to-air television debut on e.tv next month.
The Emmy-nominated miniseries will air on November 6 at 8.30pm.
The harrowing miniseries chronicles the story of an African man sold into slavery in America and his descendants.
In the 1770s Kunta Kinte (Kirby) is kidnapped from West Africa and sold to a British slave trader.
His journey intensifies as it unfolds, introducing viewers to the lives of the enslaved and showing the brutality, abuse and sexual violence they endure over generations.
A remake of the 1977 miniseries based on Alex Haley’s classic novel of the same name, Roots’ worldwide appeal can also be credited to its awe-inspiring international locations and award-winning cast.
South African viewers will recognise a number of these locations, with spectacular scenes filmed at Mtunzini’s Umlalazi River and in the Dlinza Forest, near Eshowe, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The star-studded American cast is supported by wellknown South African actors Nokuthula Ledwaba, Mbulelo Grootboom and Nandi Nyembe. Safta nominee Ledwaba burst onto the scene as wild child Lu in Backstage, before playing diva-in-the-making Tshidi Khuse on Rhythm City and then starring as Dumile in Umlilo.
Grootboom, who recently starred as Ntlonipho “Killer” Nxasana in the e.tv drama series Z’bondiwe, also played Tony in the 2009 feature film White Wedding.
Nyembe is a familiar face, having appeared in numerous television series and movies, including Jacob’s Cross, Soul City, Yizo Yizo, Izoso Connexion, Soul Buddyz and 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls.
Speaking with the Daily Dispatch, Nyembe, who plays the role of Grandma Yaisa on the show, said shooting the miniseries was wonderful.
“There were so many people working on this production, it was such a great experience. The people were wonderful to us,” she said.
Even though she has a short role on the show, Nyembe said the show had many similarities to South African history.
“All these awful things that happened to slaves happened to our mothers’ generation.
“There are many hidden things that have happened to us and no one is talking about those stories,” she said.
Nyembe said stories such as Roots needed to be told and seen. “This was a beautiful story to tell and I am honoured to have been in the cast.
“As a nation, we are still in bondage and we must do something.”
She said she hoped those who watched the show would be encouraged to stand up against injustices.
“We need to wake up and fix the problems in our communities. Kids are getting raped and the government is not doing anything. Children’s lives are being damaged and we are not doing anything.
“I hope people will see beyond this story and reflect on what is happening in their areas.” —