Dalmar Abuzeid – Anne With an E

By starrymag | January 19, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) I’m not able to elaborate about it yet, but I recently wrapped on a political mini-series with a fantastic production team and cast. I’m really looking forward to this one hitting TV screens!

Q) What is new this season on “Anne With an E” and Bash?

A) Gilbert (Lucas Jade Zumann), Bash and Mary (Cara Ricketts) have been living on the Blythe/Lacroix farm since the end of Season 2 with Mary and Bash’s wedding. Much has happened and Bash has been learning how to better tend the lands. He’s happy as can be in his new life and a magical new development, that we discover in the first episode, is why.

Q) How was Bash originally described to you?

A) As having a fire in his heart that yearned for more. A fun-loving, jovial and hardworking dreamer. Bash befriends Gilbert and comes to identify with him as they grow closer.

Q) Where does Bash get his inner joy and optimism?

A) I think Bash is very proud of his home island of Trinidad. He probably gets his joy from the same place as his drive – the fire in his heart pushing him to follow his passion.

Q) What is about Gilbert that makes Bash so bonded to him?

A) Gilbert is a kindred spirit of Bash’s. He is wise beyond his years and generously kind. He is humble and respectful yet courageous and open minded. Gilbert uniquely wears his heart on his sleeve and Bash deeply values him.

Q) What can you tease is in store for Bash and Mary in Season 3?

A) We share the love…

Q) Going into this season were you hoping to share more scenes with anyone in particular?

A) Yes, the entire cast. I had complete faith in the writers and they did not disappoint. [smiles] I love having scenes with characters I don’t usually get to interact with. Like in Season 2 when Bash visited Gilbert at the Avonlea schoolhouse or while working on the Christmas Pantomime episode.

This season I looked forward to shooting scenes with the Cuthberts and Mrs Lynde (Corrine Koslo), as well as with my family in Gilbert, Mary and even Elijah, Mary’s son, played by Araya Mengesha. Araya and I knew each other before working together on “Anne With an E” so it’s always fun to see friends on set.

Q) What have been some of your favorite moments from filming the show?

A) The people. Since my first day the experience of all the departments, behind and in front of the camera, working together just felt special. There’s always been an ease with how each day passed for me. Before I knew it three months of shooting had flown by, then a whole season, a year and finally this season!

In that time, I chilled in the snow, laughed in the bowels of a steamship, smiled and cried under the sun while sweating and made many other lasting memories. All of this feels like it happened in the blink of an eye because I loved every minute.

I also want to mention our amazing sets, props and costumes. They really helped transport me into the story. I remember my first day shooting on our “Trinidad” set for episode 202. It was dark when I arrived, so I didn’t realize the size of our set. When the sunlight came I saw palm trees, loads of sand (we were on a beach), merchant wares (for the market), carriages, there were horses, a historically accurate lighthouse and way more stretching out as far my eyes could see. I remember taking a deep breath of excitement, trying to process it all.

Q) What does it mean to you that Sebastian is one of the first black characters ever be in an “Anne of Green Gables” adaptation? 

A) I’m absolutely honored to be part of this specific adaptation. It highlights how stories are alive and can evolve while continuing to teach us lessons, old and new alike. “Anne of Green Gables” wasn’t a story I was close with growing up, but I can proudly say that it is now. I wasn’t actually aware of the history of the early communities in the Bog on Prince Edward Island, so I’m grateful for the research that production did to bring this piece of history forward and help me feel more included and represented as a Black Canadian.

I feel connected, like so many others before me, to Anne’s spirit of leadership through her timeless message of empowerment and championing the imagination. It’s experiences like these that make me grateful that I choose to help tell stories.

Q) What have you personally taken away from your time working on “Anne With an E?”

A) Aside from lovely friendships and invaluable experience, I feel more confident as an actor. After this show, I have a deeper understanding of the term “dream job.”

Q) Sadly, this is the last season of the series. Did you take any mementos from your time portraying Bash?

A) A closer connection to Trinidad, which I am not originally from, but have since visited. Also, a closer connection to Prince Edward Island, which I visited after we wrapped shooting this season. Playing Bash has been an experience that will continue to inform my art and my life.

Q) What has it meant to you see the fans rallying with a “Save Anne With an E” movement?

A) Just yesterday I went to Dundas Square, which is like our Time Square in Toronto and saw that the fandom rallied and organized to post a massive “AWAE” billboard. It’s moving for me to see the effect that the show has around the world, as well as right here in my hometown. I’ve never experienced anything like it! Dear Anne fandom: you rock the most!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) Thank you for listening. I feel blessed to have your support and I want to keep telling stories truthfully and inspiring positivity. Thank you for your amazing messages that brighten my days and I plan to continue reflecting those feelings both in my conversations and my work.