Simone Kessell has been an actress in New Zealand and Australia for over 30 years, but it’s only recently, since starring with fellow Kiwi talent Melanie Lynskey in Yellowjackets, that the opportunity’s been afforded to her to branch out into more mainstream roles.
“I’ve been working back to back and suddenly the roles, writers, producers and directors have changed,” explains the Auckland-born star, 48. “Everybody always uses the same actors on the same Australian dramas. Don’t get me wrong – they’re extraordinary actors. But I always used to come in as the guest role. Now there’s been a sea change where they’re also throwing the net out wider.”
Australia’s media industry in particular has become more diverse and inclusive – something that was at the forefront of the minds behind the new six-part crime drama Critical Incident, which also stars two more Kiwis, Packed To The Rafters actor Erik Thomson and Shortland Street’s Roxie Mohebbi.
“I’ve never been on a show where the majority of lead actors were also people of colour,” marvels Simone. She’s of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Te Rangi and Pākehā descent. “To see this new generation of actors coming up… It doesn’t matter about where they’re from or the colour of their skin. Not that it ever should have, but I’m incredibly excited by that.”
Set in gritty Western Sydney, Critical Incident follows the journey of a police officer. He pursues a teenage suspect onto a busy train platform, causing a bystander to be severely injured. Why was he chasing her? Was he racially profiling her? How will he ensure he isn’t to blame?
The compelling series explores the relationship between police and the community, particularly ethnic minorities, and the consequences of corrupt policing.
Simone – who has two sons, Jack and Beau, with her husband, Aussie director Gregor Jordan – plays lead critical incident investigator Edith Barcelos and was thrilled to be part of exploring this important issue.
“When you look at the stories that come out of the US, with African-American communities being profiled, it’s quite powerful to show a slice of life in the suburbs and realise the similarities – it’s happening here [in Australia].
“It’s always the people of colour who are discriminated against. We put so much faith in our policing system. But, it’s important to remember while there are some corrupt cops, there are some really amazing cops, who absolutely love and are so good at what they do.”
Critical Incident is now streaming on TVNZ+.
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