Roots - the remake

Anika Noni Rose stars as Kizzy in A&E Networks’ remake of the epic miniseries Roots, which premiered this month on History (DStv 186).
The story is based on the 1976 Pulitzer Prize-winning book written by Alex Hayley. It features well-known actors and actresses and is directed by great minds. Known for her role as Lorrell Robinson in the 2006 film Dream girls, Anika Rose shares some of her thoughts on the miniseries with us.
Was there any trepidation on your part in being in this remake given the iconic original miniseries? Absolutely. Before auditioning I wanted to have a meeting, because I needed to understand what the background was and what (the filmmakers’) mindset was and why was this going to be happening. Was it about respect and wanting to make something as good or something as strong? Or we were just jumping on the bandwagon?
What was the best part of the experience of making the series?
I think one of the best parts was being able to get to know my fellow cast, but also maybe the best part of seeing people’s reactions after they’ve seen a screening, or watching people’s mind change. Because I think a lot of people had the same mindset that I had which was why? Why are we doing this? What is the point, it’s been done? It becomes very clear that we need to tell the story for a new generation who will not have seen the original show.
What was it like watching the original miniseries?
I didn’t see it when it first came out as I was a little too young. But I did see it in junior high, and I remember being blown away, particularly the part where Kunta Kinte was forced to say his new name. That has stuck with me forever.
What do you think people will take away from watching this new series? I think the excitement of young people of colour wanting to know their roots; seeing people go back and figuring out I’m possibly related to this person or that person. Or ... this purity that I thought was in my family line is not so true. So I think watching people see it and become interested, not only in the truth of history, but in the truth of their history is very exciting.
Staff Reporter