Fences is the upcoming drama starring Denzel Washington – who also directs – and Viola Davis as a couple coming to terms with their places in life.
It’s based on the 1983 play by August Wilson which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1987 – as well as Tony’s for Best Leading Actor (James Earl Jones), Best Featured Actress (Mary Alice) and Best Direction (Lloyd Richards) – when it ran from 26 March 1987 to 26 June 1988.
The play was later revived in 2010 with the aforementioned Denzel Washington and Viola Davis in the lead, and garnered a further three Tony Awards for Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Revival. It’s won a lot of awards is what I’m trying to say, and I’m sure it’s going to win a few more after taking a look at the trailer.
The official plot synopsis is as follows:
An African American father struggles with race relations in the United States while trying to raise his family in the 1950s and coming to terms with the events of his life.
And just going by this trailer I can see why the play won so many awards – this is an incredibly powerful piece of writing performed by two of the best actors working today. You can feel the anger and bitterness oozing from Troy Maxson, as well as the pure anguish from his wife Rose. I’m not the biggest watcher of dramas, but this is now one I very much want to see.
What do you think?
Fences is due for release in the US on 25 December. It also stars Jovan Adepo, Mykelti Williamson, Saniyya Sidney, Russell Hornsby and Stephen Henderson.
Last Updated: September 28, 2016
