First I have to ask you, do you prefer your name to be spelled Barbara or Bara?

Barbara

You have made a big impression with your first role widely seen in America, Frank Herbert's Dune. When did you become interesting in acting and what training have you received? In reading your bio at www.scifi.com/dune, I see you come from a long line of accomplished performers. Is it difficult being so recognized in the Czech Republic?

I come from a long line of theatre people. My great great grandfather, a director, dramatist, and exquisite actor, was co-founder of National Theatre in Prague. His son was a manager and director too, and his King Lear is legendary. He is the only Czech actor, whose voice was recorded, and his photography is exhibited in the Shakespeare Museum in Stratford on Avon.

His daughter, my great grandmother, was a film actress, and with her husband, soloist in the National Theatre in Prague for fifty years, made many films.

Their daughter, my grandmother (are you still with me?) is still grand dame of film, theatre, and pedagogy.

My father, a noted member of the National Theatre, is now at the peak of a stage and film career of fifty years, having received many film and theatre awards.

So, do you think I could have done anything else?

My whole childhood passed in the smell of the greasepaint. I entered Prague Conservatory when I was 14 years old. I studied music and drama. While still at school, I started to act in Prague's theatres. That was my best education. After six years of study I accepted offer from the National Theatre and became a member for five years. On stage I played many classical roles (W. Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, in the role of Juliet; A.P. Chechov: Three Sisters, in the role of Olga; T. Williams: Orpheus Descending, in the role of the Lady; B. Henley: Crimes of the Heart, in the role of Meg; C. Goldoni: Comedown on the Lagoon, in the role of Orsetta; Servant of Two Masters, in the role of Clarice (N.T. on tour in Cleveland, 1996); V. Havel: Beggars Opera, in the role of Poly.)

And many more roles in plays by Czech and world-renowned playwrights.

What actors and directors are your favorites and with whom do you hope to work with in the future?

I admire and respect many actors and actresses, because I know how hard their work is. So just at random: M. Streep, G. Close, J. Dench, S. Sarandon, T. Hanks, W. Hurt, and directors: S. Spielberg, D. Lynch, S. Mendes, R. Altman, P. Jackson... and many others. Of course I would like to work with some of them.

Which stage roles have been your favorites so far?

The classical roles are closest to my nature and temper, so I like to remember roles of the Lady in Orpheus Descending, Olga in Three Sisters, and Meg in Crimes of the Heart.

Which do you enjoy more, stage or film?

I can not say, what I prefer. I have worked in and around the theatre since I was sixteen, so I have perhaps more experience in this field. But film intrigues me now, as a change. Both are great, especially when they turn out well.

What role do you consider your first big breakthrough?

The Lady (Orpheus Descending). This role usually belongs to much older actress. Acquit of it in 28 had been great challenge. I loved this show, it was beautiful and succesful.

In researching your resume, I see you have appeared in such European films as Den Stakare, Rivers of Babylon, and Ucitel Tance. Anything youwould like to say regarding these films and your roles in them? Did I get the names correct?

My first film was "Dancemaster". I played a dancer, so I had a wonderful opportunity to dance in front of camera. My fate in roles, it seems, is to be helpmate to the hero, for now.

The Stronger (Den Stakare), a Minna Gorasdotter film, has been very interesting adaptation of Strinberg's play for the theatre. This was my first role primarily in English, and thanks to this short-footage film I was given the possibility to work on Dune. A passage from this film is part of my "demotape". I hope to work with Minna Gorasdotter again.

Any other roles of note you would like to mention?

I do not know if it is important to talk about my work for television, even when I work for TV a lot (20 to 30 films and series etc.). As you do not watch Czech TV, I will not bore you with the details.

What is your dream role? Are there any historical figures or literary heroines you hope to someday portray?

There is one very interesting person in Czech history, writer Bozena Nemcova. She lived at the turn of 18th and 19th centuries. This extraordinary lady, a very good writer, was very emancipated for her times. Her fate was very sad and devastating. She loved life, men, her children, and her passion for

literature was fatal for her. This would be my dream.

How did you hear about being cast in Frank Herbert's Dune?

I was invited for casting - for a one-sentence role. Sometimes miracles happen.

Were you familiar with the Dune books before being considered for your role?

Unfortunately not, I just read the book before beginning of shooting. I was very pleased to find how many fans this wonderful book has.

How was it working with John Harrison and Vittorio Storaro?

Both John Harisson and Vittorio Storaro are charming gentlemen. You feel very relieved and happy with them. They give you a feeling of safety and they have absolute confidence in their actors. I was honoured to work under such guidance and with such great people.

You appear in some steamy love scenes in the Dune miniseries, some of which have never been seen in America. Was it difficult for you to do love scenes?

I am a shy person, but John, with his charming nature, makes you do things you would otherwise be very reluctant to. To play in love scenes is not fun but Dune was tactful and shooting love scenes with Alec N. was a pleasure, because he is a real gentleman.