Malcolm, your father performed an integral function in preserving August Wilson’s legacy and sharing his work with new audiences. Growing up, what function did your job play in your loved ones?
Malcolm Washington: August’s job? In our household August was like that uncle you by no means met, however his presence was all the time felt. You would consistently hear his title talked about. There was consolation in figuring out that his artistry was there, even when not directly. And then, once I had the prospect to actually have interaction along with his work – studying it, deciphering it: it felt like a deeply private connection. Almost as if he had all the time written only for me. It was profound.
Watching the movie, I discovered myself torn between Boy Willie’s standpoint and Bernice’s. It made me mirror on my values. What did you study your self whereas filming?
John David: Much of what August wrote, particularly about Boy Willie, was about his battle with spirituality. He curses God a few instances. Many male figures in August Wilson’s works battle with religion in God and marvel if they’ve been deserted by their spirituality. I’ve been in a position to cope with it in my life, relive a few of my struggles and speak about it by means of Boy Willie. It was vital to me and spoke deeply to my soul. It was a little bit of an exorcism, a purge, primarily based on my experiences.
Daniel: This is a tricky query to reply for me, personally. I feel Bernice is attempting to return to phrases with the practicality of life and the pull of our private, intuitive needs. I feel I cope with this steadiness: every thing will not be linear, however it’s not all the time as dynamic as we make it. We usually are not consistently at work; generally we’re at relaxation. Finding that steadiness between the mountains of life and relaxation is what this function helped me perceive.
