Rising Star Niv Shitrit Recounts Journey to Breakthrough Role
Niv Shitrit, a 26-year-old actress, has achieved a significant breakthrough with her role in the acclaimed Israeli series 'HaShداف' (The Simple Ones), airing on Kan 11. Originally from Nahariya, Shitrit moved to Tel Aviv to pursue her acting career and landed the part in her third year of acting school. She initially auditioned for a different character, Timor, before being asked to film a new audition for Nofar, a waitress who becomes a food delivery courier in the big city. Shitrit felt an immediate connection to the character, believing she understood Nofar better than anyone else.
The audition process was nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding. Shitrit was starstruck when she had to audition opposite veteran actor Itay Turgeman, whom she grew up watching. Despite her excitement, she managed to conceal her feelings and perform convincingly. The final audition involved a 'match' with other actresses, including Oshrit Sarusi and Carmel Netzer. Shitrit, who was ill with a throat infection at the time, was concerned but ultimately secured the role, noting that she was the only unknown actress competing against established names.
Beyond the professional opportunity, Shitrit has formed deep friendships with her castmates and the show's creators, Chen Rotman and Oshrit. She describes the filming experience, including a cast trip to Eilat, as a wonderful bonding experience. Shitrit identifies with her character's journey from the periphery to Tel Aviv, as she herself grew up in Nahariya and dreamed of a performing career from a young age. She pursued acting seriously after her military service, moving to Tel Aviv with the sole intention of becoming an actress.
Shitrit acknowledges that her family, particularly her parents, did not initially understand her career choice, viewing it as a hobby. While her mother, who once dreamed of being an actress herself, is supportive, other family members are still coming to terms with her profession. She credits her intense training at the Yoram Loewenstein Acting Studio with shaping her into a disciplined actress, despite initial clashes with instructors. Shitrit also reflects on her upbringing in Nahariya, a city she feels is neglected, and the constant security threats she experienced growing up, including the loss of an uncle in Lebanon and the recent evacuation of family members from border communities after the October 7th attacks.
In addition to 'HaShداف', Shitrit has joined the Haifa Theater's young ensemble and is rehearsing for a new musical. She aspires to continue acting in series, perform in the children's show 'Festigal', and work with her idol, Mugi Azarzar. Shitrit describes her personal style as simple and unfussy, preferring affordable fashion brands over luxury labels, though she has a penchant for silver jewelry.
