Miriama McDowell: Hibiscus
Miriama has an established New Zealand stage reputation, most notably as Hana in The Bach (Auckland Theatre Company) and Maia in The Prophet (Taki Rua). Naming Number Two marks her feature film debut, though she graces the small-screen regularly as a star of the long-running New Zealand television hospital drama Shortland Street.
“Hibiscus styles herself on her name – flamboyant, graceful and charming. But she’s also fiery and her tongue trips her up,” explains Miriama. Hibiscus is the most sensitive of Nanna Maria’s grandchildren – a quality that both helps and harms the feast’s progress. Along with several castmates, Ms. McDowell was honored for her performance with a nomination for a New Zealand Screen Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.