‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child' actress Noma Dumezweni has responded to the controversy surrounding her casting as Hermione Granger.
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It was announced last month that Noma would be taking on the role, made famous in the 'Harry Potter' film series by Emma Watson, in a new stage production, taking place 19 years after the events of ‘The Deathly Hallows’.
Noma Dumezweni
However, some closed-minded fans criticised the decision to cast a black actress in the role, when she was depicted as white in the film series.
Speaking about the reaction, Noma 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.
“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,” she said.
The cast of 'Harry Potter And The Cursed Child'
Emma previously lent her support to Noma following the announcement, publicly singing her praises on Twitter.
Alongside 13 heart emojis, Emma said: “Can't wait to see Noma Dumezweni as Hermione on stage this year.”
Author J.K. Rowling, who created the ‘Harry Potter’ series, insisted that Hermione’s race was never made explicit in her original book series.
“Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione,” she tweeted.
Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione 😘 https://t.co/5fKX4InjTH
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 21, 2015
Noma will be joined in the production by Jamie Parker and Paul Thornley as Harry Potter and Ron Weasley respectively.
‘Harry Potter And The Cursed Child’, a story spread out over two separate plays, will arrive in London’s Palace Theatre in July, and will follow the adventures of of Harry and Ginny Weasley’s youngest son, Albus.