04.12.08

In Memory of Janet Ward

On April 30th, 2008 Janet Ward, who played Harriet in the film, passed after a short but valiant fight with lung cancer. She was diagnosed shortly after the beginning of the year with Stage IV lung caner, and although she had wonderful treatment at Slone Kettering, the cancer was too aggressive even for Janet to defeat. Her daughters chronicled her fight on a blog.

Janet was an amazing woman and a wonderful actress. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with her. She brought a depth and dignity to the character of Harriet that is only hinted at in the writing. My wife, Tsufit and I went to see her in hospital almost exactly a week before she passed. She was tired, but sharp and clear-headed and full of verve. And she looked lovely with her bald head.

As a token of my love and appreciation of Janet I created a short video of her reading from the Black Book of Carmarthen using leftover footage from the film.

The text of the poem is below:

I am the wind that breathes upon the sea,
I am the roar of the ocean,
I am the whisper of the leaves in Autumn,
I am the beam of sunlight at morning,
I am the rays of the moon and stars,
I am the chrysalis transforming into butterfly,
I am the strength of the trees growing,
I am the power of buds breaking into blossom,
I am the force of the salmon swimming,
I am the courage of the wild boar,
I am the swiftness of the stag running,
I am the might of the ox behind the plough,
I am the size of all things,
And I am in the hearts of all people,
Who praise my splendor and grace.

From The Black Book of Carmarthen

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