Noma Dumezweni Talks Becoming Hermione

It was only recently that we reported to you the full cast announcement for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, something which excites us as the production creeps slowly closer to beginning. One of the few cast members whom we were already aware of was Noma Dumezweni, who will be playing a grown-up Hermione Granger.

A lot of attention was focused on Dumezwani when announced for the upcoming Potter play, and she addressed this herself last month in an interview with the Evening Standard. Now, in a new interview with the Guardian, she talks about her recent projects and of course, playing Hermione.

Although details are far and few between, Dumezweni cannot control her excitement that she has the chance to portray one of our favorite literary characters, claiming that “I, Noma Dumezweni, am busting with pleasure that I’m going to be playing her.” She goes on to explain how much she enjoyed reading the Harry Potter books, giving particular praise to the character of Hermione:

I loved her when I read the books – and I’m an old reader, not one of the 13-year-olds who’s grown into their twenties. I didn’t grow up with these three from childhood, but I remember meeting them and going: [sic] ‘These guys are great.’ She’s great. She’s great, she’s great, she’s great.

The praise for the character continues after she’s asked in what way Hermione is great.

She’s Hermione, isn’t she? She rocks. She’s the one who grounds them. She’s the one who says[,] ‘You can do better. You’ve got to own up to yourself.’ I’ve got to be careful how I say this, but we all aspire to be Hermione. She’s struggled, but she holds it all together.

When casting was first announced, she admitted that she “didn’t realise the emotional effect” it would have on people because of the character being played by a woman of color – “that’s why I talk about it as a privilege and a responsibility.”

Just before she was announced to play a key part inCursed Child, Dumezweni stepped onto the Royal Court Theatre stage in London to replace Kim Cattrall in Penelope Skinner’s Linda, who had to withdraw on doctors orders. Dumezweni is now currently back at the Royal Court, but this time introducing her directorial debut, I See You.

I See You is a South African play about a law student named Ben, who is being accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Dumezweni stated that she always wanted to go into directing:

How do you start after all this time? I’ve got a living to earn. I’m a mum. There are so many directors, young and old, around – all doing their thing and struggling.

You can catch I See You in London until March 26, and you will then be able to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child from the summer onward.

Have you bought tickets for either play? Are you excited to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione? Please let us know with your comments.