I have been talking with Lisa Q. Wolfinger, Producer and Director of "Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower," The History Channel's(c) upcoming television production. That interview continues as she relates more of the adventure of the Pilgrims, the Mayflower, and the film's production.
Desperate Crossing's Native American Cast
Kion: Can you tell us who were some of the leading historians, scholars, and modern-day members of the Wampanoag community that was consulted on the making of The History Channel(c) production of "Desperate Crossing?"
Wolfinger: We interviewed many experts. I can name a few: Diarmaid Macculloch, author of The Protestant Reformation and Nat Philbrick, author of the Mayflower as well as Ramona Peters, a Wampanoag historian and Karen Kupperman, author of Indians and English.
Shakespearean Actors Play Key Roles
Kion: I am told that actors from England's Royal Shakespeare Company were used in the making of "Desperate Crossing." Can you tell me something about any of them that portrayed leading characters in the Mayflower venture?
Wolfinger: Yes, two are currently performing in an acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company production of "Shakespeare's History Plays", directed by Michael Boyd. Keith Bartlett played William Brewster and Nick Asbury played John Robinson. The production is a touring one and will be in the States next year at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
The young man who played William Bradford, Sam Redford, is an up and coming young British actor who has worked primarily in movies. Neil Madden who plays Edward Winslow is a young RSC star in the making.
Kion: Were any of these actors actual descendents of those that sailed to America aboard the Mayflower or of others directly connected with the venture?
Wolfinger: Yes, Keith Bartlett could actually trace his ancestry back to a descendent.
Interview with Producer Lisa Q. Wolfinger: Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower continues with: Wolfinger on Native American Roles: Authenticity of Desperate Crossing.
Previous: Desperate Crossing of the Mayflower: A Continuing of the Interview with Producer Wolfinger.
