Chat with Barry Atsma

I can die peacefully. Once you've cuddled with goddamn sexy Mister Atsma, your life is complete. When asked if I wanted to interview him, I didn't have to think long, you understand. News reason: the new lawyer/drama series ‘The Split’ on BBC First. Something we can actually be quite proud of, because Barry is the only Dutchman to have landed a role in an otherwise completely British cast. Time to pull on his chalk-striped sleeve. Oh man, he's wearing a suit. God help me in this interview...

Barry, The Split. Tell me.  

“The Split is a series that zooms in on the lives of three sisters from a family of lawyers. The youngest two work in the family business in the heart of London, where all sorts of top cases are handled. Divorces, but also crisis management for very famous people. The twist is that the oldest sister has just started at a competing firm...”

You play Christie Carmichael, a top lawyer in the divorce scene. Did you have to do a lot of reading up on that beforehand?

“I studied law on a blue Monday, so luckily I knew a thing or two. But I also read a lot and watched series beforehand, including Suits. Additionally, the preparation also reminded me of my own divorce. Even though it went peacefully, it was still quite emotional at times.”

How did you end up as a Dutch actor in a British series?

“What's cool about this time is that as an actor you can audition via the internet. I recorded a number of scenes at home with my girlfriend in the living room. Just with my iPhone.”

You are really the tasty treat of the series...

“Hahaha, those are your words. At first, I am the mysterious, exciting man, but that quickly turns around, then it gets even more interesting.”

What did you like most about your role?

“That might sound a bit strange to say, but I found it interesting that I play a lonely soul. Someone who is successful, works internationally, lives all over the world, but actually misses stability. I can relate to that. I am an expat kid, my father worked at Unilever and we moved often because of that. There’s also a lesson in my role: that it’s important in life to connect with people and seek connection.”

Which moments were tough?

“We shot last summer in the sweltering heat and my very first scene was in a small office without air conditioning, because that made too much noise during filming. So I started sweating incredibly. Then the director came up to me: ‘Are you okay? Are you comfortable?’ So I was like: ‘Uh yes, just a bit sweaty today, haha.’ We were performing a three-hour dialogue in literally 36 degrees.”

What is the biggest difference between Dutch and British actors?

“It’s definitely the ‘stiff upper lip and tongue in cheek’. Dutch people are quite to the point and that’s a bit strange for Brits. In a sex scene, I just take off my underwear and think: let’s do this. You can make it very complicated, but in the end, it has to happen. You can see Brits thinking: oh, he’s already taken off his underwear. I think Dutch people are just more direct about it.”

What was the hardest thing to master as a Dutch actor in a British series?
“British humor is very specific. English is my first language, but there are also things in England that I have no image of. It’s like making a joke in a Dutch script about Dries Roelvink's yellow swimming trunks. Sometimes I literally had to say: ‘Uh, I don’t get the joke…’”

How do you find it working among a top cast of so many women? You are not only surrounded by women in the series, but the series is also produced by women.

“It was only in the third or fourth week that I realized: wow, this is actually quite special. The director, the recording manager, the producer, the writer, the lead roles: all women. A good statement, because projects like this are often dominated by men.”

And, finally, will there be a second season?

“We certainly hope so. If it’s successful, I think there’s definitely a possibility. Soon decisions will be made. So everyone go watch!”

The Split will be on BBC First starting Monday, May 28 at 9:00 PM.