Actress Opens Up About Drawing On Faith For Powerful Film Role
Elizabeth Tabish, known for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in The Chosen, has gained recognition for her selection of uplifting and inspiring roles. The 38-year-old actress, who identifies as a Christian, reflects on how her career has evolved, noting that earlier in her career, she was often disheartened by the quality of female roles she was offered. It wasn’t until she joined The Chosen that her perspective shifted. Now, she focuses on roles that resonate deeply with her and portray complex, authentic characters rather than simply accepting parts for their visibility or appeal. Her priority is to choose projects that truly connect with her values and allow her to represent women in meaningful ways.
Tabish’s upcoming film, Between Borders, is a heartfelt, faith-driven project based on the true story of the Petrosyan family, Armenian refugees fleeing persecution in the late 1980s. The film chronicles their harrowing journey from Azerbaijan to Russia and their eventual search for asylum in the United States. For Tabish, this project is especially personal, as she has Armenian heritage. She was drawn to the script immediately upon hearing about it and felt a deep connection to the character of Violetta Petrosyan, recognizing elements of her grandmother’s personality in the role. The film, which will debut at the Armenian Film Festival in 2024, explores themes of resilience, displacement, and the quest for a new home.
In Between Borders, the Petrosyan family faces immense challenges as they escape violent pogroms in Baku. The film portrays their struggles with prejudice and survival, set against the backdrop of their eventual relocation to the U.S., where they find hope through the support of American missionaries. The real-life Petrosyan family played an integral role in the film, and Tabish shared that they were thrilled with how their story was depicted. She emphasized the significance of bringing such narratives to light, particularly in the context of the broader refugee crisis and the importance of preserving stories like the Armenian genocide, which has only recently received wider acknowledgment.
Tabish also teased her role in the upcoming season of The Chosen, set to air in April 2024. She described the season as intense, with pivotal moments from the Gospels, including The Last Supper, being featured. She hinted at a more dynamic portrayal of Mary Magdalene, where her character will exhibit greater agency and determination, which promises to resonate with many viewers, especially women. Tabish noted that both The Chosen and Between Borders offer powerful narratives that emphasize love, forgiveness, and faith—universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries.
The actress highlighted the film’s broader message, emphasizing the role of faith in the transformation of the Petrosyan family. Coming from a communist background, the family’s introduction to Christianity and its teachings provided them with a sense of peace and stability amid their tumultuous journey. Tabish reflected on how Between Borders showcases the power of Christ’s teachings, particularly His message of loving one’s enemies and living with compassion. The film’s conclusion underscores the values of America as a refuge for those in need and reinforces the significance of caring for the vulnerable, echoing the Christian principle of serving those on the margins of society.