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Josh Heuston (Constantine) actually learned to play the baliset for Dune: Prophecy

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As a long-time fan of the Dune universe, I must say that the debut of Dune: Prophecy has truly been a mesmerizing journey back to this captivating world. The intricate weaving of political power struggles, family dynamics, and ancient mysticism is as enthralling as ever, and the introduction of new characters like Emperor Javicco Corrino and his motley brood adds an exciting layer to the lore.

This evening saw the debut of “Dune: Prophecy,” a new TV series nestled within the Dune universe, occurring around 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ birth. The Bene Gesserit sisterhood is in the process of solidifying its significance as an indispensable organization within the Imperium’s great houses. Sisters with Truthsaying abilities are stationed alongside crucial leaders across the universe. Among them is Emperor Javicco Corrino, portrayed by Mark Strong, who governs the Imperium from the Golden Lion Throne on Salusa Secundus.

The emperor is blessed with a vibrant household. His spouse, Empress Natalya (Jodhi May), frequently disputes his choices; his eldest daughter and future ruler, Princess Ynez, yearns to learn from the Bene Gesserit; and his illegitimate son Constantine (Josh Heuston) is more of a carefree royal. Wealthy beyond measure, he doesn’t have to labor, yet being out of line for the throne, he lacks Ynez’s sense of duty. Instead, what does Constantine fill his days with?

It seems he enjoys playing music. In the first episode titled “The Hidden Hand,” Constantine is spotted at his sister’s wedding, a union with the very young (almost symbolically young; he’s 9) heir of the influential House Richese. He amuses the crowd by strumming the baliset, an imaginary stringed instrument that characters in Dune are known to favor, which Gurney Halleck will play thousands of years later before Paul Atreides.

As a film enthusiast, I couldn’t help but notice that iconic actor Patrick Stewart, reprising his role as Gurney Halleck, gracefully strummed the baliset in David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation of Dune. It was a delightful throwback, considering there were no baliset scenes in the more recent Denis Villeneuve Dune films. Seeing it resurface in Dune: Prophecy was a nostalgic treat for me.

What’s even cooler is that actor Josh Heuston actually learned to play the baliset, as he told us when we got to talk to him and his castmates during a roundtable interview with other publications. “[It] was fun, learning how to play that. We did a few lessons,” he said. Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, who plays Constantine’s sister Ynez, responded for all of us: “That’s so cool.”

Each Sunday evening, fresh installments of “Dune: Prophecy” can be found on HBO and Max. Let’s find out if the baliset will make another appearance.

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2024-11-18 06:43

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