Book of Negroes star Aunjanue Ellis on the power of period dramas
CBC Radio | Posted: January 8, 2015 5:00 AM | Last Updated: January 8, 2015
The Book of Negroes, a television adaptation of Lawrence Hill's acclaimed book by the same name, had its television debut last night. Today, lead actress Aunjanue Ellis joins guest host Gill Deacon to discuss the much-anticipated miniseries and what the period drama can teach us about present day society.- Related: Louis Gossett Jr. on his role in The Book of Negroes
- Related: Watch the first episode of Book of Negroes online
Ellis, who previously appeared in Oscar-nominated films The Help and Ray also reflects on the centrality of her character, Aminata Diallo; why she gravitates toward roles that re-frame history; and the dream role once played by Olivia de Havilland that she hopes to land in the future.
Click on the listen button above to hear the full audio, or watch the video version in the player. Plus, preview the show below.