Noma Dumezweni Talks of Playing Hermione in “Cursed Child”

It would be putting it very subtly to say that Noma Dumezweni’s casting as Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child received mixed reactions. However, there are many more important discussion points and interest to take with the Harry Potter sequel other than the color of an actor or actresses skin. How Noma is planning on portraying Hermione, and playing the part, is definitely more important than her appearance and something we are all interested to hear about. Even she thinks so.

Noma sat down with the Evening Standard for an interview, and talked of her casting as Hermione in Cursed Child. She told the Evening Standard:

“It stems from ignorance. They don’t want to be a part of the creative act. To say it’s not as it was intended is so unimaginative. I don’t think they understand how theatre works. We’re here to heal you, make you smile and whisk you away.” 

Dumezweni, 45, said she had encountered “unconscious” prejudice when going for roles in the past, but had not experienced people questioning her ability to play a character because of the colour of her skin.

Noma was chosen by Jack Thorne and John Tiffany as the candidate they, and J.K. Rowling, thought embodied the character of Hermione the best. Noma commented on what she will bring to the role, saying:

She would not have taken the role unless she could bring her own interpretation to it, adding: “The only question we should ask is ‘Are they good?’ I’ve met great actors black and white and I’ve met bad actors black and white.”

There is no denying that Noma Dumezweni is a very talented actress; Pottermore described her many achievements and awards, which probably account for a few reasons why she was chosen for the role. We are excited to hear more from Ms. Dumezweni about her role as Hermione Jean (Granger) Weasley in the future!