Rolanda Marais reveals the real scoop in 'Die Nuusmakers': a dramatic dive into journalism

IOL News

2 days ago

Rolanda Marais stars as television news anchor Adri Joubert in 'Die Nuusmakers.'
Image: X
'Die Nuusmakers', the brand-new Afrikaans drama, has viewers on the edge of their seats as the local drama delves into the frantic world of news journalism.
The kykNet show, which premiered last week, is created by Both Worlds, the production team behind the wildly successful show, 'Recipes for Love & Murder'.
Produced and written by Karen Jeynes, the star-studded cast includes industry heavyweights such as Rolanda Marais, who takes on the leading role of Adri Joubert, a television news anchor whose idyllic life is turned upside down by a tragic accident.
She is joined by Brendon Daniels, who is no stranger to South African screens, having starred in 'Four Corners' and 'White Lies', as well as Arno Greeff from 'Blood & Water'.
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The rest of the cast includes Roeline Daneel, Lea Viviers, Chris van Niekerk, Christia Visser and Heinrich Wentzel.
Together, they provide insights into what goes on inside a newsroom at one of the nation's biggest networks. The cast does a stellar job of reflecting the life of a journalist, where the stakes are high and every second counts.
At the centre of it all is Adri, a seasoned anchor with over two decades of television experience.
Referred to as 'the nation's darling', she lives an idyllic life in upmarket Johannesburg.
She spends her mornings jogging through her leafy suburb, stopping to chat to her neighbours in her gated community along the way.
She then has breakfast with her devoted husband Dawid (Herbst), her teenage son Daniel (Wentzel) and her elderly father Lourens (van Niekerk) before arriving at the television station.
With her only concern around ageing and a younger anchor taking her coveted spot, Adri has the picture-perfect life. But her world is shattered when she faces a personal tragedy, making her life a news story in its own right.
As her story is set to unravel as more episodes of 'Die Nuusmakers' drop weekly, Marais explained that the show is already resonating with viewers.
'Many of us watch the news every day, but we don't have a clue what goes on behind the scenes,' she explained in regards to why she believes the story has been gripping the nation.
Rolanda Marais stars as television news personality Adri Joubert in 'Die Nuusmakers.'
Image: Instagram.
In regards to how this project is different to anything else she has worked on previously in her career, the actress said: "It felt tangible that it was a lot more real than other series or films that I've done.'
'This series touches on issues that South Africans really have, and it makes it so much more current and real.'
Marais, who has several accolades under her belt, including a Fiesta Award, a Kanna prize and a Vita Award, amongst Silwerskerm Film and AKTV nominations for Best Actress, has featured in a string of productions.
She is best known for her role as Stefanie Malherbe in the kykNET soapie 'Binnelanders' and is also renowned for starring in 'Boy Kills World', 'Poppie Nongena' and 'Wolwedans in die Skemer'.
After landing the 'Die Nuusmakers' leading role, Marais is counting her blessings.
'I feel extremely lucky to be able to work in an industry that is really struggling.'
She is also thrilled about taking on this character.
'To portray an incredibly strong, talented and focused woman is so important because young women may watch the show and feel empowered, knowing that it could be them one day,' Marais believes.
She added that she decided to be part of this show because she was inspired by its story.
'I loved the concept from the word go. When I received the audition brief, I felt drawn to the character and knew I could deliver a performance that would serve her.'
'Adri was nicknamed 'ratel', which is a type of snake, because she is fearless and passionate about journalism and about getting behind the truth of every story.'
'I am, like Adri, also passionate about my work and I am a hard worker and have a wicked sense of humour. Adri loves jogging but I despise it so shooting those scenes weren't exactly fun,' Marais admitted.
She also resonates with the show's themes, which she believes is 'choosing the truth, no matter what and rediscovering one's passion.'
'From great sorrow, beauty and wonder can rise, and South Africans will definitely find resonance in most of these themes.'
Marais's advice for aspiring actors is profound yet simple: "Be very sure why you want to be an actor. If it is for fame, money and recognition, don't do it.
"If it is a burning, yearning passion to tell stories, like fire in you, go do it, but be prepared to work hard and often get very little recognition."
"Keep on trying, be curious about people and be kind and humble."
∎ New episodes of 'Die Nuusmakers' air on Tuesdays at 8pm on kykNET (DStv channel 144).