Exclusive Interview with Chipo Chung From “A.D. The Bible Continues”
Chipo Chung stars as Mary Magdalene in NBC’s drama series “A.D. The Bible Continues.”
Chung has appeared in several series, including “Camelot” and “Sherlock,” but is best known for her role on the BBC series “Doctor Who,” alongside David Tennant.
Chung has performed in a variety of powerful theatrical productions, such as the critically acclaimed production of “Phedre” (with Helen Mirren at the National Theatre in London), “Talking to Terrorists,” “The Overwhelming,” and “Fallujah,” in which she played Condoleezza Rice.
Recently, she was involved with the Act for Change Project, a movement to increase diversity in British television. She was also featured on the BBC 100 Women 2013 list.
In the movie, there are persecuted people and there are people under a lot of stress, strain and threat of their lives. That is something that Chung has learned from this series. They play the violence of the Romans so strongly. After she did some research on it, that time was extremely violent and it was hard to keep your faith and keep your friendship under that strain.
“It is true that it was quite a male heavy show because there were 12 disciples and they were all men. But of course there were women who were around,” Chung stated.
Ms. Chung chatted with Gephardt Daily Entertainment Editor and Talking Pictures’ host Tony Toscano about her role as Mary Magdalene in the new 12-part series.
“I don’t think her story has really been told before, in cinema or in television. And i don’t think it has been told right either… She was a leader amongst men”
Chung went on about the role, “I did have a lot of trepidation because she is so iconic, she’s so important to many people. There’s a lot of controversy about her, so I wanted to get to the truth of who she was.” She added, “It’s a huge honor but also a huge responsibility as well.”
In addition to her pivotal role on “A.D.,” Chung is set to star on Sky Atlantic’s forthcoming arctic drama “Fortitude” later this year.
You can catch “A.D. The Bible Continues” Sunday nights on NBC TV. Check local listings for times.
