Marie-Lou Nahhas – Orange is the New Black

By starrymag | September 20, 2019

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

Q) Seeing Nikki and Shani so tenderly together and we see them instantly sort of smitten in this meet cute moment. But, then getting this juxtaposition of heartbreak with Shani being deported and Shani’s backstory at the end where we find out about the “honor killing.” We obviously know there is no real happy ending in Orange, but we also really couldn’t help but root for them anyway.

A) My first reaction, to be honest, when I saw Shani was being deported was, “Oh! Does this mean I’m not going to have any more fun scenes with Nikki?!” [laughs] It was really such a sad moment for me. When I got the letter and I have all this anger…That’s how I felt when I knew this might be the end because I’m going to be deported.

Q) We loved the sweet build up that brought them closer together.

A) It was portrayed in great humor. Watching all the stories unfold and Shani’s story at the last season playing a significant part was fun and honoring with all complexities in a short time.

Q) Nikki is such a beloved character. We’ve seen how much she’s given to the people around her and when she meets Shani she is someone who can reciprocate that.

A) Definitely, Shani enveloped the relationships of Nikki (Natasha Lyonne) in a harmonic way. Both characters with different backgrounds, come together and bring all the chaos into peace in the hidey hole.

Q) It reminds us that we have to have this humanity that we hold on to and empathy we have to hold on to and share.

A) Great points! Through all the obstacles and darkness of life, one can only realize that nothing matters more than such human interactions and connections to unite as one.

Q) It encourages us to take a stand and actively get involved. You fight to make sure this doesn’t happen.

A) I believe the method to take a stand is to seek freedom of expression. Understanding that these expressions tell you so much about the person you are and then unfold to connect you with your surroundings. Being active and striving for passionate lives, for constantly growing to better ourselves and be the best teachers for the generations to come.

Q) Social media plays a key role as well.

A) In our time, social media is a powerful outlet if used consciously and in moderation. It is a great tool if we use it not to take us away from the present moment but to teach and connect us globally.

Q) With Shani’s story we also get to see a different spectrum for the LGBT community that we don’t often see portrayed as well, especially with the honor killing. These are things that aren’t as focused on when it comes to the LGBT community as we don’t see these stories promoted as often as we should. “Orange” has really put this representation forward.

A) Shani is a complex, multi-dimensional character highlighting very crucial political incidents. As an Arab woman, playing that character felt real shedding any stereotypical views. “Orange Is the New Black” took a step forward in the Western television industry showing Arab Muslim women as active members of the society.

Q) “Orange Is the New Black” has never shied away from tackling important topical issues and we see several with Shani. She has two traumas – Female genitalia mutilation and the rejection of family. It also importantly shows that her trauma does not define her.

A) Exactly! And that’s what makes the appearance of the character light in my eyes.

Trauma is a story of the past that shape us in ways. Yet, these ways can be taken by understanding them and be willing to use them as lessons.

Q) What is it about the show’s writers that understand crafting really witty, diverse and multi-dimensional characters that maybe other writers or networks don’t grasp as well?

A) The writer on each episode appeared on set each time and their presence brought such comfort to the actors. Interactions were kind and caring to each individual, which benefited both the writers and the actors and was apparent on screen.

Q) Talk about playing off of Natasha Lyonne and her fabulous comedic timing.

A) As an actor, it was such a rewarding experience to have someone so dedicated and authentic as Natasha to work with. And I also got to be directed by her in one of the scenes that she also acted in. Natasha is such an inspiration and I look up to her and her constant devotion to her career.

Q) What I really loved about this relationship buildup is that we got to see a new side to Nikki. She is this nurturing person naturally, but Shani complimented her so well. With Lorna she felt like she was always chasing this shadow, but Shani has been an actual light to her life that Nikki had long been needing. There was this natural energy and chemistry between the characters.

A) As much as the scenes were enjoyable to watch, it was just as enjoyable to make them.

Q) What has playing the character of Shani meant to you and how has the outpouring emotionally of the support and art we have seen?

A) Playing Shani was very entertaining and challenging. Any act I complete, I release and I gain lots of insights to my career moving forward.

Q) Is there anything else you want to share with our readers about your time on “Orange is the New Black?”

A) I have recently accepted groundbreaking projects that work towards helping women and youth around the world. Details of the work will be released in the near future.

Shani on “Orange Is the New Black” is my biggest acting role to date and I am passionately working to land the second in television.