Ebony Obsidian is part of one the most critically acclaimed films of 2019 “If Beale Street Could Talk.” In our interview, the young actress told us how it was to work on the first James Baldwin film adaptation and her pride about it, and how she related to her character Adrienne through the novel and the artists working around her.
On “If Beale Street Could Talk,” how did you approach your character, Adrienne?
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A lot of the layers to Adrienne I found within the pages of the novel. In many situations, she was not even speaking, but it was all there in the way she moved. The air in which she carried herself. James Baldwin did an incredible job of allowing the reader to see not only what Adrienne wishes to reveal, but what she so desperately wished to hide. The facade of perfection the sister had to put up truly weighed on Adrienne, especially since she felt her father, though present, was in a lot of ways missing.
“A lot of the layers to Adrienne I found within the pages of the novel.”
Adrienne is one of Fonny’s sisters, how did you work with Stephan James on this? And what about Aunjanue Ellis, who plays Mrs. Hunt and who is a character particularly close to Adrienne?
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The relationship between the Hunt Sisters and their brother Fonny is interesting in that it barely exists. For this reason, Adrienne and Fonny don’t interact much. Mrs. Hunt, on the other hand, is someone the girls follow very closely. Aunjanue and I had a chance to connect before shooting and were on the same page. From both the novel and screenplay, it is clear that Adrienne emulates her mother in an effort to maintain acceptance and even love.
You read the book by James Baldwin on which the movie is based on: what did you get from it as a person and, as an actress, how did it help with the creation of your character
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The novel was so rich. There was a texture to the people and places Baldwin wrote about which made it impossible not to be invested and touched by this World. When Adrienne came across a page you could feel that bold, innocent, and longing presence. This truly helped me see all that was this young woman.
So many different types of people live within “If Beale Street Could Talk,” it opened me up even more to everything outside of myself and to the many lives I will never live.
What would you say to Adrienne if you could talk to her?
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If I could speak to Adrienne I would tell her this is only the beginning. Everything feels so potent when you’re young, but finding the root of your feelings will always lead to a more fulfilling place – don’t be afraid to go there. I would encourage her to speak up on the things that truly bother her. Remind her that everyone carries a different load in life and no one person’s load is more or less valid than another’s. Love can only be found in truth. And hate often comes from pain.
This is a story of love, but also about struggling with acceptance (for example, Adrienne and her family act like she’s better than the Rivers) and racial issues, as well as bugged justice. What do you think people should learn from this movie?
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I would love for people to walk away from this film feeling a sense of hope. It’s so easy to get caught up in the madness of life around us. We all have more control than we often think. Do your part. Even if it’s simply helping the next person, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation. The spark of humanity you show will make a difference.
“I would encourage her to speak up on the things that truly bother her.”
You were Alicia Davis in the Web Series “Tough Love,” how was the experience on set?
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“Tough Love” is a digital series that made an unexpected splash on the web. Starting out, we had no budget and it was truly done guerrilla style. After the second season, it was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award.
The series is about the Millennial generation in New York City, where POC youth is working for a successful future despite the difficulties: did you ever find challenging exploring this kind of themes? And do you think the Internet could be a “freer” channel to convey new, more diverse messages?
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It wasn’t difficult exploring these themes because I am a young Black American woman building my life in a city. The storyline within that was more so where the challenge lived. The internet is diversifying so much, in the way content is brought forward, the type of lives we see being lived, and the way in which viewers are able to connect. It’s been beautiful to watch and look forward to seeing it continue to grow.
What next for Ebony?
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Right now I’m working on a few personal projects, but I definitely want to get into more music next year as well.
What’s your must have on set?
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A voice.
The book on your nightstand?
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“Milk & Honey,” again.
What’s the last series you binge-watched?
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“Narcos: Mexico” starring Diego Luna who I did not have the pleasure working with on “Beale Street” but am a great fan.
The most beautiful thing while filming “If Beale Street Could Talk”?
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Too many beautiful things to pick. Being a part of the first James Baldwin film adaptation. Working alongside artists I admire. The guidance of Barry Jenkins. Doing a time period piece. Growing in a new direction.
Credits
Photos by Makeda Sanford
