'Giving Voice' Is the New Must-Watch Documentary on Netflix, Featuring Viola Davis and Denzel Washington

1.是什么'Giving Voice' About?

If you're not familiar, August Wilson (1945-2005) was an American playwright whose work often centered on the experiences and heritage of the African-American community in the 20th century. To honor Wilson's legacy—and encourage young people of color to get involved in the arts—there's an annual August Wilson monologue competition, in which high school students choose a monologue to perform from one of Wilson’s ten plays (collectively known asThe American Century Cycle).

Though the ultimate prize is the chance to perform on Broadway, the competition—and Wilson himself—has a life-changing effect on the lives of the students involved, some of whom come from a background in drama and others who don’t even have a theater program at their school.

2. Who's in the Cast?

In addition to the young people participating in the monologue competition,Giving Voicefeatures interviews with Viola Davis (who's one of the film's executive producers), Denzel Washington and Stephen McKinley Henderson, all of whom starred in the 2016 film adaptation of Wilson's playFences.

3. Is There a Trailer?

There sure is. The trailer, which you can watch above, focuses on the impact Wilson made on the Black community not only by giving a voice to actors like Davis and Washington, but also by allowing young people of color to see performers who look like them on the stage.

4. Why Should You Watch?

Besides the commentary from mega-celebs like Davis and Washington and the inspirational story, the film has also already earned major praise.Giving Voicehad its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Festival Favorite award. PerThe New York Times, whereGiving Voicesis a Critics Pick, "In addition to hearing themselves in the voices of these characters, the kids hear their aunts, uncles, grandparents and neighbors, too...And in capturing these moments, “Giving Voice” becomes as inspirational as Wilson’s words, as fulfilling as each teen’s declaration of self-worth."

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