Noma Dumezweni directs ‘I See You’
NOMA DUMEZWENIis
part was the sense of collaboration, not just from the writer and actors, but lighting, sound, design, stage management. I pride myself on enjoying other people’s ideas. So the sense of creating something was about shaping and guiding it into place. A privilege.
What is I See You about, and what does it address?
(Playwright) Mongiwekhaya has written a story, which for me is about identity or rather the understanding/grasping of it, or not, in post apartheid SA, especially when it comes to the disconnection of language. But there are other pertinent themes he’s woven throughout which the audience will read into it, such as age and youth. The meaning of freedom. Culture.
You were born in Swaziland, to South African parents, and raised in the UK. Perhaps this gives you some empathy with the characters/the play?
Mongi and I are adults brought up as children in exile. There’s a lot of personal stuff to explore with that and that’s where we connected in the storytelling of his play, amongst other things. Also being outsiders, maybe we are able to emphasise with all the characters because of the lack of cultural experience. Or just our sensibilities...
Interestingly, A Human Being Died That Night addresses the past, to a certain extent, while I See You is described as addressing “the struggles of a new genera-tion.” How does it feel to have been involved in such pertinent productions?
A privilege, truly! They both arrived at a time in which I was questioning my working future, especially as a single mother wanting to explore a creative world, which doesn’t necessarily pay the bills. The universe was/is reminding me that it's about the work – always. Everything outside of that is an absolute bonus. And one thing leads to another, if I keep myself open to the opportunities. So. Very. Blessed.
We believe you are due to play Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Please tell us a bit about this – it’s set after the conclusion of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows?
The truth is that I can’t tell you about the play, and it’s a pleasure not to be able to haha! We are in our last week of a 10 week rehearsal and start the technical process (lights, sound, costumes etc) next week. All I can say, is I love watching everyone else that I'm having the pleasure of being in a room with.
Before this, were you a Harry Potter fan? And if so, did you ever think you would end up playing Hermione?
I’ve been a big fan of the books, and totally identified with Hermione as so many girls and women have. When I was asked to play her, with Ms Rowling's approval, I was absolutely blown away! The play story takes place 20 years after the last books. Hence this older version.
What was the last live production you saw, and how did you find it?
Tonight actually! The great Irish actor Stephen Rea in a shocking and very funny play called Cypress Avenue set in Northern Ireland, written by David Ireland. Again, a play about identity. Very similar themes to I See You for me, such as what happens to an individual when they've been fighting for a collective identity. Ultimately it was a privilege to see Mr. Rea on the stage, in the same studio space we worked I See You in. Close up, no lying.
What do you like to do to relax?
Depends on the day. Sometimes the company of friends. Other times solitude. Listening to the radio. Holding and hugging my child. Dancing. Eating. The Sun. Love.
I See You is at The Fugard from May 5 to 28. Book Computicket 0861 915 8000