Baltimore to Kyrgyzstan: Dominic West and Clarke Peters Share Their Journey in ‘Beyond the Silk Road’ with Sting’s Support
Documentary Chronicles Journey of ‘The Wire’ Stars
Baltimore, MD — Dominic West and Clarke Peters, well-known for their roles as McNulty and Lester Freamon in HBO’s acclaimed series The Wire, have embarked on a unique adventure captured in their new documentary, Beyond The Silk Road. The film intertwines personal anecdotes with a colorful backstory that dates back to their early days on the show, where the two often escaped the gritty filming environment by riding horses owned by a former Motown artist. More recently, they refined their horsemanship skills on horses owned by the musician Sting before setting off to create their documentary.
Reflecting on their journey, Peters shared, “A few days before we left, we thought it’d probably be good for us to get our asses onto a saddle so we went over to Sting’s house.” West added, “Trudie Styler said, ‘Look, if you want to practice, I’ve got horses in Wiltshire… so Clarke came on down and we had a day on those horses.’”
In Kyrgyzstan, the duo traced ancient trading paths of the Silk Road, guided by Alexandra Tolstoy, an expert in the region’s culture and people. Their experience included participating in a local sport resembling polo — but played with a headless goat — and enjoying traditional mare’s milk, all while navigating the region’s stunning landscapes.
West noted the impression the local lifestyle had on him, recalling a moment when he saw a child leading a donkey. “It really struck me how perfect the life was there in that these children were helping, but they were having fun because they were chasing pigs or chasing chickens,” he said.
The documentary, produced by Blink Films and internationally distributed by Blue Ant in both feature-length and series formats, features moments of introspection from both actors. Peters remarked, “You know, when the water that Dominic was swimming in has just melted from a glacier… you start putting it all together and you can’t help but to expand and open your mind,” while also expressing admiration for the purposeful mindfulness of the local people.
As the expert guide, Tolstoy emphasized the authenticity of Kyrgyz life showcased in the film. “The people really live like that,” she noted. She added a poignant Tolstoy quote, “One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken,” underscoring the message of simplicity that the documentary aims to convey.
Reflecting on their enduring legacy from The Wire, both actors acknowledged its impact. Tolstoy shared that she encountered a fan club of the series in Kyrgyzstan, while Peters noted, “You know, it started out being a job, and up until a year after it finished, I didn’t realize what a hit it was, I didn’t know the influence it had.”
Peters reminisced about the suspense surrounding his character’s fate, admitting he always anticipated the possibility of a surprise twist in the plot, while West described The Wire as “the gift that keeps giving,” with fans frequently expressing their admiration for the show.
Looking ahead, the duo is already considering another equestrian adventure, with Peters suggesting a sequel in Africa. “The sequel is going to Africa, and we’re going to go to Lalibela through Ethiopia, or possibly to Timbuktu. And on Arab steeds, of course.” To this, Peters stated, “And I’m not doing it without him,” gesturing at West.
This shared camaraderie and connection to their roots add layers of personal depth to their cinematic journey, celebrating not just their friendship but also their exploration of a world less seen.
