In 2007, Angela Makholwa’s debut novel Red Ink hit the shelves, introducing journalist turned publicist Lucy Khambule, who is approached by an imprisoned serial killer to tell his story.
Sixteen years later, Makholwa has made the great leap of adapting her bestseller into an eight-part Showmax Original series. The thriller is set to launch on 12 February, with SAFTA nominee Nqobile Nunu Khumalo (Nqobile, The Herd) playing Lucy and SAFTA winner Bonko Khoza (Mqhele in The Wife) as The Butcher.
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‘RED INK’ AUTHOR SAYS THIS IS NOT HER FIRST ADAPTATION
Makholwa said that handing over her book, which is like her baby) to somebody else to translate into a different medium of any kind was nerve-wracking.
“But I’m actually quite excited; there’s less worry on my side than you’d expect.
“I’ve already had a book adapted to film but was hardly involved in the production [Love, Sex & 30 Candles]. With Red Ink being my debut novel, this feels more precious. I found the entire process so much more exciting,” she explained
She further said that she is involved in the decision-making process as she is the executive producer of Red Ink.
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CHOOSING THE CAST
The author said that she is happy with the cast as she the main character, Khumalo, was her first choice.
“Auditions are the most telling part of casting and for me, Nqobile Nunu Khumalo (who plays Lucy) was my first choice from the get-go.
“Bonko Khoza brought such an incredible nuance to the role of Napoleon. I wasn’t surprised when he told me he’d read the book three times because I then got to understand the kind of magic he brought to the audition.
“And Fundi (Tsholo Maseko): she’s a strong supporting role because she’s the yin to Lucy’s yang.”
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MESSAGE TO ‘RED INK’ READERS
Makholwa also asked for grace and understanding from those who’ve read Red Ink.
“Having been part of the process, I can see why certain things work from a literary point of view but from an audiovisual point of view they don’t quite hit the mark because the mediums of communication are different.
She explained that she committed to trying to stay as true to the storyline as possible.
“That’s what I fought for. But even when I didn’t win a specific point, I let it go only if I thought it would be for the good of the show.
“So if we diverge from the book, it’s because we’re trying to make it more visually interesting. Ultimately, I want a show that will be gripping, that will be interesting, that will be engaging.”
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