IN CONVERSATION WITH AYELET ZURER

interview by JANA LETONJA

Ayelet Zurer will be starring in Amazon studio’s ‘House of David’, premiering on 27th February, and in Disney+/Marvel’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’, premiering on 4th March. She first garnered the attention of American audiences when Steven Spielberg cast her in the Oscar nominated film ‘Munich’, and has since starred in ‘Vantage Point’, ‘Darling Companion’, ‘Adam Resurrected’, ‘Last Knights’, and ‘Ben Hur’ amongst others. 

You first caught the attention of American audiences in ‘Munich’ directed by Steven Spielberg. What was it like to be part of such an iconic film early in your career, and how did it shape your trajectory in Hollywood?

Prior to being cast in 'Munich', I had one of the most fruitful and meaningful years, personally and professionally. I was working non-stop, moving from theatre to TV and film, in truly incredible roles that every actress would kill for. I got married, became a mother. The cherry on top was being cast in 'Munich'. It was a high in a year of highs. I remember flying to Malta with my son, hanging around video village with Steven, and listening to stories of life and the life of making films, and could not believe my luck. 'Munich' was nominated for an Oscar and that truly opened doors for me. I was like Alice in Wonderland. 
 

You’ve portrayed a wide variety of roles across both television and film. How do you approach such diverse characters, and what draws you to a particular role?

In honesty? I am not sure. I can say that sometimes it’s the director, but mostly it’s the writing. If I am lucky, the role will come out of the page for me. It’s almost a spiritual experience. Sometimes it doesn’t and then it’s like, okay, I need a job, so I say yes, and then I begin digging like a good old archaeologist or historian. Coming up with a theory, adding skin to the bones. As of late, I also feel responsible for what I bring into the world, since I believe what we do in any form of storytelling is to create negatives, which are the building blocks of human consciousness, and have an impact on how we perceive things.

You’ll be starring in Amazon series ‘House of David’, about biblical history. What can you tell us about your character, and how does this project differ from your past work? 

I am playing Queen Achinoam, wife to King Saul. She is loyal to a fault and will do anything in order to protect her family, her king and kingdom. What interests me about her is her complicated relationship with God. From her perspective, he has abandoned her and now she is left with one choice, taking things into her own hands. Top that with stunning wardrobe and jewelry, filming in Greece, and you can imagine the joy.
 

Soon after that, you’ll also be returning to the ‘Daredevil’ universe in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ on Disney+. How does it feel to be part of the Marvel family, and what can audiences expect from your character in this series?

Vanessa is still King Pin’s love interest. She is always about honesty and trust. I am very excited to be back on the show, love working with Vincent, and feel that we created something strange and yet human and unique . I am proud of the work. The team on the show is absolutely superb. The show is matured, dark and violent, yet beautiful and heartbreaking. 

Both ‘House of David’ and ‘Daredevil: Born Again’l have been picked up for second seasons ahead of their respective premieres. What do you hope to explore further in your characters in future seasons?

On 'House of David', we are exploring the deteriorating relationship between the king and the queen over David’s triumphant win over Goliath. The belief at the time was that winning a war equals God is with us, and loosing war means God has forsaken us. Achinoam is concerned of David’s growing power. 
 

You’ve been nominated for and won several prestigious awards for your work. How does it feel to be recognized for your performances in both Israeli and international projects?

Beyond the fact that I am very shy to go on stage and speak as myself, and would much rather play someone else, it’s so great to be noticed for my work, and it always helps by expanding the film or TV show spread.

Looking ahead, are there any genres or specific types of roles you’d love to explore that you haven’t had the chance to yet?

As of late, I have a craving to return to the stage and do something classical. I miss the immediate connection with an audience that live performance has.

What has been the most memorable or rewarding moment of your career so far, and how has it impacted your personal and professional growth?

 I have to say that I am grateful for many moments in my work life, and I love that my work doesn’t steer me wrong, but the traveling, seeing new places and staying in places with lots to offer are the most impactful. Greece for example, where I can learn lines and then go see an ancient temple 3000-years-old, or live in Ireland for a few months. These are the things that affect me, my world view, widening my horizons, and I feel make me a better person. 

You’ve also written and illustrated books, including ‘As of Now’ and ‘Shorts’. How do you balance your acting career with your passion for writing and illustration, and do you foresee any future projects in that space?

I am a creative person who can’t sit too long in one place. Painting is one of the things that grounds me, so I always do something with it. I have a few projects that include illustration of sort - a book, short animation and more. Hopefully they will all manifest.

With so many roles and projects on your plate, what’s next for you personally and professionally?

Same answer goes for this question. I have a few projects in several stages of development and am hoping they manifest fully.

CREDITS:

photography BEN COPE