Tonight (Tuesday 7 June), Noma Dumezweni will step onto the stage as Hermione Granger for the first time, but while it’d be fair to think the actress is feeling the pressure, Noma has revealed what’s helping her cope.
The announcement that the actress would be playing Hermione in ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’ was met with criticism by some, with Noma now sharing her thoughts on the backlash.
Addressing the pressure ahead of her debut in the role, Noma tells The New York Times: “The weight of expectation is huge.
Speaking earlier this week, 'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling condemned those who bemoaned the fact a black actress has been cast as Hermione, stating: “I had a bunch of racists telling me that because Hermione ‘turned white’ – that is, lost colour from her face after a shock – that she must be a white woman, which I have a great deal of difficulty with.
“But I decided not to get too agitated about it and simply state quite firmly that Hermione can be a black woman with my absolute blessing and enthusiasm.”
Demand for tickets to the two-part play has been huge, and both productions are now sold out until 2017.
For more information on ‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’ click here.