Balabol and Beyond: A Conversation with Maryam Shapiro
The discussion opens with a reflection on the challenge of embodying Maryam Shapiro, a soldier in the TV series Balabol. The actor explains that her character represents Israeli special forces, a group defined by rigorous training, distinct behavior, and specialized weapons and equipment. The biggest hurdle was capturing that authentic military presence while honoring the role’s physical and technical demands. The actor describes a dedicated training routine, including time set aside for physical education. At first, she assumed that her dance background would make the combat sequences easier, but martial arts proved to be a different discipline altogether. Over time, she grew comfortable with Maryam’s demeanor and fighting style, though each fight and gunfight carried real risk for both performers and stunt partners.
The next topic touches the emotional weight of action versus drama. The actor notes that fights and gunfights are purely physical events that carry a high degree of tension and responsibility, since injuries could occur even with precision. Yet dramatic scenes also demand intensity, particularly as the character navigates foreign surroundings and evolving situations across episodes. These moments of upheaval push both the story and the performer in new directions.
When asked about portraying strong women in non-traditional roles, especially within law enforcement, the actor shares a personal fascination with these characters. She has frequently been offered military or high-ranking roles, a trend she attributes to her outward appearance and psychotype. A recent turn as a police lieutenant colonel involved filming in crowded locations, parks, and public spaces. Wearing a uniform altered how the public treated her: they saw an authority figure rather than an actress, a dynamic she found empowering. Directors might perceive her as a natural fit for strong female leads, and she wears that recognition with pride.
Regarding career regrets, the actor is unequivocal: no project has left a negative impression, and she remains meticulous in selecting material. When asked about the most rewarding roles, she emphasizes that every part holds value. Her training comes from Vakhtangov and years of theater education, where each character is treated as a centerpiece. Every role embodies lived experience, emotions, and a personal nervous system. While some projects rise to popularity, others may be less celebrated, yet they remain equally meaningful to her.
The most challenging roles are discussed candidly. Playing a drug-addicted woman in Village Romance was particularly demanding due to portraying mentally unstable, exaggerated reactions on screen. She expresses gratitude to the director Vitaly Babenko and her co-star Anton Makarsky for their support, allowing extra rehearsal time when needed. She also recalls a role as a major in the Ministry of Emergencies in Gülçatay, a series shot amid the ruins of Abkhazia. The setting was perilous, with dangerous heights and precarious surroundings, which added to the tension but yielded a successful production with no injuries. Another demanding project was 12 Months. New Fairy Tale, filmed in the Czech Republic. Fairy tale storytelling required a delicate balance—maintaining the magic of the genre while staying truthful to the camera and audience. The crew focused on living fully in the frame and feeling the pulse of every moment.
On the broader difference between cinema and television, the actor notes there is no inherent distinction in method. In the past, feature films allowed for a more comfortable workflow, but today a TV project can demand similar levels of production value. With both formats, the quality of the material has risen, and the line between serial and feature acting has blurred. She also reflects on Balabol’s enduring popularity and the lasting impression of Don’t Be Born Beautiful, a series that helped launch her career and connected audiences with a central character who grows from an awkward youth into a capable leader and partner. She views that story as a beacon of warmth and authenticity—elements that motivated viewers then and continue to resonate now.
Associations with well-known projects are not a source of irritation for her. She recalls being recognized for Kitchen in earlier days yet celebrated the connection to the beloved series Don’t Be Born Beautiful. Recollections emphasize the joy of being linked to memorable roles and the pride that comes with enduring public memory. When asked about a potential continuation of Beautiful Born, she expresses openness to the idea, contingent on a strong narrative that revisits the characters after many years. Sequels can be compelling, sometimes even more engaging than the original series, and she would welcome the invitation to revisit familiar faces with fresh stories.
The performer also discusses theater versus cinema. Cinema offers a certain luxury where editing, music, and post-production can soften missteps, yet the theater emphasizes live connection with the audience. A mistake is visible to everyone, and the immediacy of performance is unmatched. She argues for a balance between film and theater, believing that each medium sharpens the other and supports long-term artistic growth. Harmony between both worlds remains her artistic aim.
In family life, two sons anchor her world. The elder son has shown interest in acting, and she and her partner Ivan navigate the realities and pitfalls of the profession with care. They focus on honesty and education, sharing the complexities of the industry while offering reassurance. The couple strives to expose their son to a realistic picture of acting, including the unpredictable nature of demand within the field. For the younger son, who has explored volleyball as a potential path, she emphasizes a flexible approach, supporting his choices even if they diverge from her own expectations. Her parenting philosophy centers on open communication, avoiding coercion, and ensuring children feel heard and protected within their family structure.
The interview closes with reflections on choosing a life partner. As people age, finding a compatible partner becomes tougher, yet it remains possible when shared values and mental alignment exist. The actor notes that mature relationships tend to require fewer compromises and greater realism, with a clear sense of what truly matters. The evolving view on love emphasizes genuine compatibility and mutual support as keys to a lasting connection.
Across these topics, the discussion paints a portrait of an artist who values persistence, versatility, and the courage to take on demanding roles. Her career spans theater and screen, and her personal life reflects a thoughtful balance between ambition and family. The narrative highlights a performer who steadily translates experience into powerful performances, continually seeking growth while staying true to the core of her craft.