Wedding floats boat of ‘River’ fans
Zweli and Gail say ‘I do’ in six-episode special
THIS week, fans of 1 Magic’s telenovela The River will again be treated to a wedding extravaganza, when Zweli Dikana (Hlomla Dandala) and Gail Masabatha (MaryAnne Barlow) say “I do”.
It’s one of the most highly anticipated weddings on TV, and viewers are on the edge of their seats as they wonder what tricks Zweli’s bitter ex Lindiwe (Sindi Dlathu) has up her sleeve.
The six-episode wedding special started on Monday and will play out until Friday.
Barlow, best known for her role as Egoli super-bitch Coreen Edwards, spills some juicy details of what can be expected on the show.
Lindiwe is a gangster; asked if Gail is scared that Lindiwe, who is clearly still in love with Zweli, might just strike at any given moment, Barlow responded:
“Lindiwe has done pretty much everything she can to try to stop the wedding, but I think Gail is the type of person who really wants to see the very best in everybody, give everybody a second chance.
“She is, however, not aware of the true murderous side of Lindiwe. She knows that Lindiwe has done some crazy stuff but whether or not she needs to be afraid of her, I don’t think it’s ever crossed her mind.”
Barlow and Dandala have come full circle as the duo were part of the 2007 hit series Jacob’s Cross.
“Hlomla and I have worked together on Jacob’s Cross. I didn’t do too many scenes, but this has been a tremendous opportunity to know him as a person and fellow actor.
“He’s a very generous actor to work with and a very kind, lovely, humble person. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my professional experience with him, he’s amazing.”
Asked how Gail is different from the other roles she has played previously, Barlow said: “As a female in the industry, I remember when I turned 40 an agent told me that worldwide, statistically women in the industry can lose up to 60% of their work simply because they are ageing, which I find quite appalling.
“In the case of Gail, I haven’t been asked to do a love interest storyline for quite a few years.
“As an alternative, definitely not a bad alternative, I’ve been called upon to play different roles. I’ve played a doctor...you’re playing a wonderfully intelligent woman but it almost seems that the public is not interested in seeing older people fall in love.”
Barlow says she was thrilled to be part of the award-winning series, and she was fortunate to receive a warm reception the moment she set foot on set.
“To be honest, I hadn’t been an audience member of The River, but I was obviously well aware of its standing and significance and how well it’s done with the Saftas (South African Film and Television Awards).
“When they approached me to see if I was interested in the role, I wasn’t going to say ‘no’, and the role so far has exceeded my expectations,” she enthused.
The seasoned actress has been in numerous television and stage productions, including Isidingo, Binnelanders, Shado, Roer Jou Voete and Is’thunzi.
Catch The River, weekdays, on 1 Magic, Dstv channel 103, at 8pm.