AUSXIP Interviews Nick Tarabay
by MaryD / Christa

 

03 March 2010

Nick Tarabay is Ashur on Spartacus Blood and Sand, meet the man behind one of the show's very interesting characters. Spartacus Blood and Sand Episode 6 "Delicate Things" introduces us to another side of Ashur, one that most of the fans would not have envisioned. Nick sits down with us as we find out more about the man and what it's like to work on Spartacus Blood and Sand.

You were raised in Beirut, Lebanon - What was that like?

It was amazing. Had some of best memories of my life there. Lebanon is and always will be my home. It's the foundation that makes me who I am and I'm very proud to call my self one!

Have you always wanted to be an actor?

Actually I wanted to be a soccer player. And I still love it. It's the closest thing to my heart next to acting. Playing soccer was fulfilling to me in ways I can't describe. It was freedom to the fullest. It was living in the moment. It was feeling your heart beat with excitement. And these are the same reasons why I love acting. Nothing could ever give me that feeling but the craft acting

You started out in the New York fashion industry, did you enjoy that experience?

Oh yes. For us Lebanese people fashion is so big and important that I think it's part of the culture now. LOL. I love dressing up. And I come from a family that does too so I guess it runs in the family.


You've studied at Terry Schreiber Studio and with Larry Moss, both well known, how did these study's help you grow into the actor you are today?

Tremendously! Acting is a craft. It's an art. And above all I think it's a responsibility. I believe us artist are more influential on people's lives than any other profession People allow us in their bedrooms and living rooms through the small screen. We effect them. We get very intimate with the audience. and that is a big responsibility. As an artist you should always ask your self what am I trying to say or what message am I trying to deliver? And there comes the study of acting. How to read a script or a play. How to do your script analysis and so forth. So you can do the very best job that you can. And also to earn the money that people pay to see us. Terry or Larry helped me see that by introducing me to great writings and great performances. also they gave me the power to trust in myself . How to use my body, my breath but above all they tout me to have respect for myself to the craft and the people that's in it. They tout me that true acting or art is bigger than us, and in any given story no matter if your the lead or the story revolves around you, it can not be just about our selves . It's bigger. We are simply story tellers and should always honor that and honor the writer

What do you think the biggest difference is between the study of acting and the real world of acting for the camera?

I think it a different stage of learning. You take all that you learned in classes and use it, but you also have to be open to learn as things come up. When you are an artist your always learning.

 
What’s your favorite TV show that you would love to have a part on?

I'm very happy and proud to be part of Spartacus but if I have to chose another, mmm... Not sure maybe HBO "In-treatment" I really liked that show and also I'm a big fan of Gabriel Byrne.

How are you liking New Zealand?

I like a lot. It's the perfect place to film as well. Very peaceful and people are very friendly. Oh And the food is very fresh and I love good food-!!

What is the one thing that really surprised you about the New Zealand culture?

Nothing major but to me I felt like it was a modern city but the people were very genuine and caring. It felt like every body know each other which was very warm to me. Especially coming from LA or even NYC

You've acted on some of the most well know shows on US TV, Sex in the City, The Sopranos, CSI Miami…. But Spartacus is your first period piece. How are you liking it?

I love it !! I never did a show like this before. I enjoyed all the shows that I did in the past but Spartacus has an edge that every actor loves. Also the character is unlike any I've played before. So it's great all around

Do you find that your daily preparation is different for a period piece vs. a modern day piece?

Of course. Different time different people and the language is different as well. It needs more focus and rehearsing, to me anyway

What was the audition process like for Spartacus?

Strange to say but it was fun. Lauren Bass was the CD  here in the states and she was lovely. And I already knew and love the people from Starz from " Crash" and was so excited to work with them again

What can you tell us about your Spartacus character, Ashur?

Oof.. where do I begin? This character is by far the most complex, most interesting, most dangerous and the most smart one I've ever played. Very deep and very calculative. Ashur is always weighting the odds and looking at the bigger picture. He knows the ludus very well, know the Gladiators and above all knows how to use all that knowledge to his advantage. And you never see it coming. Often times when I'm reading the script I would find my self shocked on what I have just read and go WHAT? Where did this come from? I so didn't see that coming, and I think that's how the audience most likely will react to some of the stuff that will be caused by Ashur. I give a lot of credit to brilliant writing of our show runner Steven DeKnight and his team of writers. These guys keep topping them selves. Anyway Hold on tight cause you haven't seen all of Ashur yet

Did you do any research on the time period or history you're portraying? If so how has that help you with your role?

A lot actually. I had to understand that period. Understand the people and their way of living. What was possible and what was out of reach. The economical status. What was their goals like. What was available and what not. I had to learn about Spartacus him self. What kind of a man was he. What did he stand for. And how did he go on about doing it. All that will help me find my character and help me know to deal with him and other character. Every little thing helps. Your research will help you get in the mind of your character. And of course when we got to the set it was so much easier . If you see those sets you would feel like you were there already. That helped a lot. And of course the costumes and makeup helped us to get there faster.


Have you found anything to be rather challenging? costuming, makeup, sets?

A little yes. I had to wear a leg brace as the character. It was made of heavy leather and it was connected to a strap that goes all around my shoulder . It looked great and in way helped me get more in my character and his mind, but after a while it became very challenging. I had to make sure I always stretch before and after wearing it. Plus I had a burn on my left arm that took about an hour to put on but again looked amazing! I mean wether its the makeup people or the wardrobe people these guys were just brilliant and very accommodating.

Have you had to learn any new skills? swords, stunt fighting, bull whip, so on?

All the above, except the whip. We did the Gladiator camp for a couple of weeks before starting. And it was the most intense and amazing experience I had. After I finished the training I felt like I can take on the world, physically LOL

How has the New Zealand set and crew differed from the sets you've worked on in the US?

It was pretty much the same. Only this project is way bigger than most TV projects. The crew here was hands down brilliant and probably one of the best I've ever worked with.

Is there a particular episode that you can’t wait for people to see when Spartacus finally premieres in the United States

Yes. All 13. LOL I mean it is a journey and it will be perfect when you see it evolve and see how each and every character develop. Episode 13 will only make sense after watching the one before and so forth. I tell one thing though. Every episode. There will be some thing that will top the one before and keep the audiences on the edge of their seats

You have been working with some of AUSXIP’s favourite actors (Lucy Lawless, Craig Parker, Erin Cummings), producers (Rob Tapert, Paul Grinder), and directors (Michael Hurst) on Spartacus, what have you learned from them?

A lot. Acting or show business is all about team work. We all have to work together for a project to succeed. And when working with people such as the ones you mentioned. It makes it easier, clearer and way more fun. It can open your eyes to things you didn't see or know. As  I  said before. We are always learning. In the end hopefully we all learn from each others

There is a lot of talk and anticipation surrounding Spartacus in the United States, how do you feel about that?

I feel great. This is one of the shows that  I  think will exceed the expectations!

Do you have any stories to share from the Spartacus set?

I mean we a lot fun on the set and there was tons of stories, but nothing that stands out. What I really like is that most cast after and during show became friends and still are on touch with each other.

Any other projects you would like to mention?

So far all in the making, But soon I will
 

Photo Credits:

Photos of Nick Tarabay in Crash are courtesy of Starz Entertainment
Photos of Nick Tarabay in Spartacus Blood and Sand are courtesy of Starz Entertainment.

Interesting Links

Official Spartacus Blood and Sand Site
AUSXIP Spartacus Blood and Sand
 

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