Nazli George proud of her roots
Actress Nazli George speaks to the Record about her roots and her latest production.
Nazli George, current Florida North resident and versatile actress, visited the Record to share her experiences and the inspiration behind her stage production, Rootz.
Nazli might be recognised from her previous acting roles in Afrikaans South African film, Hoofmeisie as well as various television series including Scandal, Villa Rosa, Generations, 7de Laan and Egoli.
She has been nominated in the FNB Vita Awards for Best Actress in Vatmaar as well as her Naledi Theatre nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Glass Roots and her Fleur de Cup nomination for Best Actress in Rootz.
Originally from the Western Cape, Nazli explained that she was educated at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in drama and speech and had lived there all her life with her grandmother. It is in many ways a tribute to her grandmother, to have written, directed and acted in Rootz.
“Rootz is about the strong women of our country. It is about their fight for survival, lets the audience know what makes them tick and it explores the various ways in which South African women’s personalities are formed by their grounding in their roots or the lack thereof.
“Some women find their roots important, some don’t. I attempt to explore it.”
The play centres around an apartment building in Johannesburg called Barbara Mansions, after the owner Barbie.
Out of the blue, Barbie announces that she will be deeply evaluating and judging her tenants (of which for the sake of the play, all are female) to decide whether they are worthy of renting space from her.
Nazli told the Record that in many ways her creation of the character Mariam, an older tenant that reflects matriarchy, reminds her of her own grandmother.
“Don’t get me wrong. Mariam wasn’t created to reflect my grandmother’s personality or depict her life, but she was a great inspiration to write something about my roots.”
Having been raised by her grandmother, Nazli decided to close a chapter in her and her husband moving from her grandmother’s house in Cape Town to Johannesburg suburbia.
“We are very happy here. The West Rand is interesting, and I hope to still write many a play based in Johannesburg or on Johannesburg experiences.”
The Rootz production is still showing at the Joburg Theatre until 23 June 2013. For tickets call 0861 670 670 or visit the Joburg Theatres website.
