Denzel Washington has officially announced his upcoming adaptation of another August Wilson play. Wilson, celebrated for his award-winning plays like *Fences*, *The Piano Lesson*, and *Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom*, is a playwright of great acclaim. His 1985 play *Fences* garnered both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, later being transformed into a 2016 film. Washington took on multiple roles in the film as director, producer, and lead actor, alongside a talented cast that included Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Jovan Adepo.
In a conversation with *Variety*, Washington disclosed his plans to adapt *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone*. He mentioned that discussions about potential involvement in the project are yet to occur, indicating that the adaptation is in its nascent stages and might be a few years from hitting the screens. Washington’s full statement reads:
“We haven’t talked about anybody involved in that yet, though. Well…we haven’t talked to you guys about it.”
Potential Vision for the Adaptation
The Play’s Role in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle
For Washington’s illustrious career, *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone* is an ideal choice. This play, penned by Wilson in 1984, unfolds in the early 1910s and centers on Harold Loomis, a Black man journeying across the country with his daughter in search of his estranged wife. Along the way, he is compelled to reconnect with his roots and rediscover his identity and purpose. The play is a part of Wilson’s renowned series, *The Pittsburgh Cycle*, also known as *The Century Cycle*, which depicts the African-American experience across different decades.
The prospect of this adaptation is intriguing, as its storyline diverges significantly from Washington’s earlier Wilson adaptation.
While *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone* will explore themes of racism, family, and identity similar to *Fences*, the allure lies in its distinct storyline compared to Washington’s previous Wilson project. Unlike Troy and Rose Maxson in *Fences*, who remain together despite marital conflicts, Harold and his wife Martha are separated in *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone*, introducing a varied dynamic. Though the writing style may echo Wilson’s signature touch, the new adaptation’s approach to the play will be captivating to witness.
Casting Considerations for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
An Actor with Significant August Wilson Experience
When considering casting options for *Joe Turner’s Come and Gone*, Viola Davis emerges as a compelling choice. Davis earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *Fences* and received another nomination for her lead performance in *Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom*. Her extensive experience with Wilson’s work extends to the stage, where she starred in the 2010 Broadway revival of *Fences*. If Washington can secure Davis for the role of Martha, it would mark a notable continuation of her journey with Wilson’s plays.
Source: *Variety*
Fences
- Drama
Fences is a period drama written by American playwright August Wilson. It was directed by Denzel Washington, who also plays Troy Maxson, a garbage collector whose checkered past prevented him from fulfilling his potential as a baseball player. The movie was well-received by both critics and viewers, with many praising Washington's performance as the bitter sanitation worker.
