Andra Day Shares How Playing a Singer Grounded Her in Exhibiting Forgiveness

by

As a longtime fan and admirer of Andra Day’s soulful voice and captivating performances, I was thrilled to learn about her latest role in “Exhibiting Forgiveness.” Having followed her career since her Grammy-winning days, it’s fascinating to see how she continues to expand her talents into the realm of acting.

Fans of R&B and soul music are well aware that Andra Day, the esteemed singer-songwriter who won a Grammy Award, has now ventured into acting on the big screen. Some of her notable roles have showcased her vocal skills impressively, earning her a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’. Her latest accomplishment, ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’, features Day as a skilled singer herself. MovieWeb had the opportunity to interview her about the significance of her musical background in portraying Aisha – the wife of a renowned artist (André Holland) who is grappling with his troubled past after an unexpected visit from his estranged father (John Earl Jelks).

Day mentioned that since he’s also a musician, having her as one would be beneficial. This is particularly useful for maintaining consistency and authenticity in our artistic processes and work.

Above all else, it was essential to the director, Titus, that she become a musician. It wasn’t a requirement for me that she fill this role, as if it would be the deciding factor in my involvement. Instead, I appreciated their relationship more than anything. The fact that her being a musician complemented their dynamic seemed fitting and suitable for their family. In other words, it feels unimaginable for me to envision her in any other profession, like law.

The ‘Visionary’ Titus Kaphar

Forgiveness on Display is rooted in the life events of filmmaker-artist Titus Kaphar, a renowned painter whose art is celebrated globally. As Day explained, “It was his unique perspective, and that’s what made it so captivating. Observing him create was like watching a visionary at work, and this particular project was the vehicle he chose to share his story during this stage of his life.” Kaphar appears to be deeply invested in many aspects of life, and when he is passionate about something… he generates remarkable output.

The heartfelt performance in the movie “Exhibiting Forgiveness” frequently manifests as emotionally intense scenes shared between Day and André Holland. In a revealing conversation, Day mentioned that Moonlight was one of Holland’s best performances prior to this film, and she believes that the emotional resonance of Exhibiting Forgiveness bears a resemblance to the Best Picture winner in some aspects.

[Our latest production] presents a poignant tale, yet it’s orchestrated in a stunning, artistic harmony, if I may explain. It underscores that every life event, however challenging, remains a precious and enriching part of our lives. I believe the film’s narrative structure, similar to that of Moonlight, communicates a message that initially affirms the worth of its characters, regardless of their past actions or current struggles. They matter.

From Roadside Attractions, Exhibiting Forgiveness is now playing in theaters.

Read More

2024-10-20 23:32