Barbara Wussow's Comment: Ascending via rope ladder to the "ideal vessel"
In the summer of 2017, actress Barbara Wussow embarked on a challenging journey as she joined the cast of the popular German TV series, "The Dream Ship" (original title: *Das Traumschiff*), on the Cape Verde Islands. Little did she know that her first appearance on the show would be far from smooth sailing.
Wussow, a 64-year-old television star, found herself battling severe seasickness during the rough sea conditions around the islands. Despite her discomfort, she persevered and continued with her work for the series. This early experience on the show is often remembered as a tough introduction to the demands of shooting on location, especially at sea.
One of the most memorable incidents occurred during a boat ride at night. An older man offered a fishing boat ride to Wussow and her colleague, but the actress expressed concern about being kidnapped. However, an unlikely hero emerged in the form of a steward named Angel, who was still working on 'The Dream Ship'. Encouraged by Angel, Wussow braved the boat ride, which eventually led to the appearance of the ship after a 20-minute journey.
The scene of Wussow boarding the ship was initially planned to be filmed at sea, but due to the incident, it was reshot in a harbour, standing in the sunshine. Interestingly, this modified scene was included in the script of 'The Dream Ship: Maldives' and was broadcast in 2018. The reshot scene shows Wussow climbing the rope ladder to the cruise ship, a modified version of the original plan, which was well-received by the audience.
Despite the initial setbacks, Wussow's determination and resilience shone through. She even faced another challenge when she was flown to the wrong island, Sal or Sal Rei, during the shoot. However, these incidents have become part of the lore surrounding Wussow's time on 'The Dream Ship', serving as a testament to her spirit and dedication to her craft.
Angel, the steward, is credited as Wussow's saviour in the incidents, offering encouragement and support when she needed it most. His actions have not gone unnoticed, and he remains a cherished member of the 'The Dream Ship' crew.
Wussow's tough introduction to 'The Dream Ship' serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with shooting on location, especially at sea. Yet, her perseverance and the support of her colleagues have made for an unforgettable story in the annals of German television.
Upon the boat ride at night, specter of kidnapping troubled Wussow, but the steadfastness of steward Angel alleviated her fears, allowing her to embark on the journey. Subsequently, Wussow's struggle to board the ship was reshot, becoming a notable scene in 'The Dream Ship: Maldives', showcasing the grit and determination that defines both Wussow's career and the world of movies-and-tv entertainment.