Barry Ward talks about starring in ‘That They May Face the Rising Sun’

Barry Ward in ‘That They May Face the Rising Sun.’ Photo Courtesy of Juno Films.

Irish actor Barry Ward chatted about starring in the new movie “That They May Face the Rising Sun,” which was released via Juno Films.

He is known for his acting work in “Extra Ordinary” and “Dating Amber,” the latter of which won him an IFTA (Irish Film & Television Award — the Irish equivalent of the Oscar) for “Best Supporting Actor.”

‘They May Face the Rising Sun’

In addition to Ward, the film stars Anna Bederke as well as Lalor Roddy, Ruth McCabe, and Sean McGinley.

“Enacting this screenplay taught me that the silences and the slower pace of life are not so scary,” he said. “It is not as noisy as I feared it may be, and it wasn’t as terrifying as I thought it would be. So, it was a good leap into that… Initially, I considered it a fearful place until I inhabited it.”

“My experience doing this film was wonderful,” he admitted. “It was a dream job! I’ve been familiar with the writer for a long time; I’ve been reading him for 30 years.”

“It was beyond my highest expectations, and it was very blissful with a beautiful creative team, and a great cast,” he added.

Working with Anna Bederke as his leading lady

“Working with Anna was great; she is an amazing woman. She is smart, considerate, articulate, thoughtful and way more at home with that pace of life,” Ward noted.

Working with director Pat Collins

“Working with Pat Collins was great; he is a gorgeous man,” Ward said. “I was a big fan of his work. It was the perfect combination and a job that I really wanted to get. e got along brilliantly and we worked well together.

“It was a fascinating and educational experience working with Pat. I am happy to say that it was more than I could have hoped for,” he explained.

Playing his character Joe in the movie

On playing Joe, he said, “This character is like somebody that I aspire to be in some ways. He is way more thoughtful and considerate, and he takes great pleasure in the more simple things. He is much deeper and more profound than I am, so it was nice to tap into those things.”

The digital age

On being a part of the digital age, Ward responded, “I don’t know. I try not to indulge in it too much. I still listen to vinyl records and I read books. I go to the cinema, I go to film festivals, and I just watch movies.”

Career-defining moments

On his career-defining moments, he shared, “Every moment in my career has helped define me, and it has helped mold me into who I am. There were certain jobs that I really wanted more than others and I fought for those because they align with my own personal interests.”

“So, they become much more personal than professional. There have been a few jobs like that including ‘That They Made Face the Rising Sun’,” he added.

Advice for young and emerging actors

For young and emerging actors, he encouraged them to “work hard, as well as to read, read, and read.”

“Everything you need can be found in books,” he said. “Books can transport you and they can really flex your muscles in terms of imagination and articulation, which are vital tools.”

“I would also practice more, and try things out in my house or on my phone, and I would watch it back and I would just try it in many different ways,” he noted.

“These days, we don’t get to act as much as we want to because films are a big machine, and it’s not every day that you get to film, but it’s good to get to practice something each day such as reciting something new or learning a scene,” he elaborated.

Latest projects

On his latest projects, he remarked, “Right now, there is so much going on. I am preparing for two films, where one of them shoots at the end of this month, and another one at the end of next month.”

“So, I am learning lines, and I am also studying and doing an MA degree in Philosophy,” he said.

“I am trying to read academic papers all gearing up towards my last essay of my academic year. I am just juggling life. So much is about scheduling and administration. That’s what is occupying my days,” he revealed.

Superpower of choice

On his superpower of choice, he said, “Someone once told me that I have the ability to make people feel stoned.”

“I can just chill people out; maybe the world needs more of that. I thought that’s a good skill to have,” he said with a sweet laugh.

Success

Regarding his definition of the word success, Ward stated, “Doing the things you love, and having peace of mind.”

Closing thoughts on ‘They May Face the Rising Sun’

For fans and viewers, he said about the movie, “I hope this movie brings people serenity and peace of mind. I hope we get to engage people for the two-hour running time.”

To learn more about award-winning Irish actor Barry Ward, check out his IMDb page.

Read More: “That They May Face the Rising Sun” review.