Atlantis is a brand new, thrilling fantasy drama, set in a time of legendary heroes, mythical creatures and gods
Aiysha Hart plays Ariadne
How did this all come about for you?
I was auditioning during pilot season in February for lot of different TV Series’ at the time that I got the script for Atlantis. I read it in bed that evening and really enjoyed it - it was a real page turner. I went to an initial audition with the casting director and a week later I got called back for a read with the producer and Jack (Jason) to see if we had chemistry and worked well together. I didn’t have to wait too long as quite soon after that I was told that I got the role.
What was the audition like – did you think you’d got the part?
I was super nervous and didn’t expect anything really at the first stage as I was auditioning for lots of things at the time, but it was something that I loved reading so I really wanted it. I had good vibes and I really enjoyed reading with Jack, but thought there would be at least another recall so it was great when I heard the good news.
Where were you when you found out you been cast as Ariadne?
It was the day after my Birthday and I was out for lunch with friends when I got the call from my agent. She said “I’ve got a great birthday present for you…you’ve got the role of Ariadne in Atlantis!”
Had you ever auditioned for a big BBC Drama before?
Not on this scale, it’s also a new genre to me and unlike anything I’ve done before. My last projects were an action movie and a psychological thriller, so this was something totally different and also something that I’d always wanted to do.
How was the first day on set?
It’s the first time I’ve felt really relaxed on the first day of a new set and I think it has a lot to do with the crew having worked together before. There’s just a good energy on set anyway so I felt really at ease. It also helped as my first scene to shoot was with Jack and the scene that we’d read together in the audition.
When you got at set – was it like you were expecting? Were you prepared for the scale of the sets and whole production?
The movie that I did before was all on location and I’d done some work in a studio before but never as big as the ones that we are working with in Wales; they are huge. It really excites me, and I was very nosey, looking around at the green screen and the street they’ve created. I love watching behind the scenes programmes about production, so this side of things really appeals to me. Morocco was a totally unique experience and epic in a completely different way. You’ve got beautiful REAL backdrops of desert that spans for miles and incredible sets that are so huge that they dwarf you. That’s when you feel it all come together and can imagine what it will all look like when it’s finished. Before we went to Morocco, I had more of an abstract picture of how it would all look, but coming back from that you can put everything in place
What was it like being away in Morocco with everyone?
It was really nice as usually we all stay in different places in Wales and people go home to their own place after work, so this was more social as the cast and crew were all staying together in the hotel. It was great to get the chance to explore a little too.
Ariadne – What is she like?
She’s not your average princess, she’s a three dimensional character. When we first meet her she’s having to put on a ‘veneer ‘in the palace and is unable to reveal her true self. When Jason comes into her life we see another side of her. He turns her world upside down and we really see her grow. She’s vulnerable yet strong and very challenging to authority. Initially this is seen as a quiet subversion which later on becomes an open defiance. There are fireworks to come and the growth of character is great to play.
So relations aren’t great between Ariadne and her stepmother Pasiphae?
They have a strange relationship– she can’t be herself with her stepmother and has to put up walls to protect herself. Sarah (Parish) and I have really great scenes and there’s a palpable tension between them; a struggle between good and evil. She becomes increasingly aware of Pasiphae’s danger despite her good pretence. Pasiphae is massively jealous of the relationship that Ariadne has with her father (King Minos). Pasiphae begins to see Ariadne as an obstacle in her struggle for power. It’s so fun to film these tense scenes as it’ so different from our relationship off screen!
So all this excitement AND you get to wear phenomenal costumes!
It’s all done in style! Our costume department are amazing; their idea was to come up with something reflective of Ancient Greece, but with a modern edge. They created the most beautiful drawings for each character as a starting point and a lot of the style is very current yet still tied in with the style of the piece. They’ve chosen amazing colours which brighten up the natural tones that you get in the background of Atlantis.
How do you feel about the audience meeting Ariadne for the first time?
It’s scary as you can’t know how people will receive her. I hope she comes across as a bit mysterious at first before people get the chance to warm to her as she comes out of her shell. Her character goes through so much - the audience are going to experience her journey with her, but it will be gradual, she doesn’t give a lot away at first.
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