A CLASS ACT
Dorra Zarrouk talks fantasy, law and character preparation
DorraZarroukisasighttobehold.TheTunisian-born,Egypt-basedactress effortlesslystraddlesthelineofbeautyandbrains.Withabackgroundinpolitical sciencesandaloveoftheartsinallforms,Dorrahasanexpertcapacityforcritical conversations–butshedoesn’tliketomixthetwoworlds.Shetellsushowher parentswentfrombeingskepticstobeingherbiggestsupporters,whereshedraws thelineoncharacterresearchandwhyArabcinemacoulddowithmorefantasy
“As an actress, I wouldn’t want any biases preventing me from taking on any challenging or unconventional roles”
Coming from an Arab background, how did you embrace theatre? Were you exposed to it as a child?
I’ve always taken an interest in theatre. Taking part in school plays was a passion that continued to grow in me and made me realise how strongly I felt about acting. Growing up, my mother used to take me to see plays all the time and I remember telling myself that I was going to do this one day. In fact, I actually started my acting career in theatre.
There is a saying that you can’t be what you can’t see. Who was your big inspiration growing up?
It would have to be the Egyptian actress Faten Hamama. She was someone I’ve always watched and admired for the influential effect she’s had on women’s rights in the Arab world. As a pioneer in the industry, she’s inspiring because she was really able to make a difference and no matter what role she took on, she was always able to preserve her refined image.
What did your parents think of your career choice?
At first it was very difficult to gain their support. My parents were very concerned about me entering this industry, especially my father, and they were quite skeptical about me succeeding. This was one of the main motivating factors in pursuing this career path, because it became a challenge for me to prove to them that I was capable of doing it. They were eventually extremely supportive and were truly my biggest fans.
You also studied law before going into cinema. Did you ever practice it?
Law was my father’s dream. I never really saw myself practicing it because I knew what I wanted to do. He was a lawyer himself so I felt like I could at least give it a try.
How important is it to you to balance your art with political sciences? What do you do to bring both worlds together?
I benefited a great deal from studying political sciences, but I don’t try to integrate it into my career. I believe that one could have strong personal opinions and political views, but they shouldn’t let them affect what they do in their career. As an actress, I wouldn’t want any biases preventing me from taking on any challenging or unconventional roles.
You are Tunisian by origin but you’ve spent a great deal of your life and career in Egypt. Do you feel as at home in Egypt as in Tunisia?
Of course I do, but in completely different ways. ‘Home’ to me can be defined by a place or people. Egyptians have been extremely welcoming and really helped my career blossom. I’ve lived in Egypt for almost half my life. Tunisia is my birthplace and the home of most of my family. It’s where I grew up and developed into the person I am today. They both hold their own special place in my heart so I can’t really compare the two.
What has been your favourite film role to date?
I’m torn between Dalal in Segn El Nisa (The Women’s Prison) and Nadia in El Shara3 Elly Warana (The Street Behind Us).
How did they challenge you?
Dalal is a character who is the complete opposite of me, so the challenge was to be able to deliver something that people could believe. I had to connect with someone that I didn’t really understand so that I could become her. Nadia, on the other hand, is someone that I saw so much of myself in. The challenge with her was the ability to let my guard down and be completely exposed.
How do you prepare for your roles? Do you have a ritualistic process?
Research and a bunch of questions! Initially, I need to really connect with a role or at least see myself doing it. In order for me to become the character, I need to really understand who she is. I start off by trying to visualise how the screenwriter wrote the character and understand from their point of view. Once I am comfortable with that I move on to meeting people that share similar qualities or circumstances and really dive into who they are. I watch documentaries, movies and TV series and have featured similar characters and then I stop. It’s important for me to disconnect from my research so that I’m able to develop my own authentic traits, mannerisms and expressions.
Which medium do you prefer: theatre, TV or film?
Film. Because in the end, this entire production we spend months on is boiled down to about an hour and a half. To communicate your intentions to the viewer in such a small space of time is very challenging and rewarding.
Who are your favourite film directors that you’d like to work with one day?
Nadine Labaki is someone at the top of my list. She’s had an influence in the Middle East, as well as the rest of the world. I also have a great appreciation for European cinema especially for Pedro Almodóvar’s films, so he’s someone I’d love to work with. Finally, I would also say Tim Burton. I’ve always dreamed of acting in a fantasy film like the ones he’s created. The Arab industry really lacks the exploration of this genre so it would be something quite new for me to be a part of.
What resolutions do you have for next year?
It’s one main resolution really and it’s to be there more for those in need. I want to focus on dedicating more of my time next year to giving back. I’m so blessed to have such a large base of people that can see what I’m doing, so if I’m able to be a positive role model and actually influence someone to do something for the greater good of somebody else, then I cannot think of a greater success or resolution to achieve.
“If I’m able to be a positive role model and actually influence someone to do something for the greater good of somebody else, then I cannot think of a greater success or resolution to achieve”