News

To celebrate the release of Giving Voice, which debuted on Netflix this weekend, we had the pleasure of chatting to one of the young subjects who participated in the August Wilson Monologue Competition.

The words of August Wilson are brought to life by a new generation in Giving Voice, following students in an annual monologue competition inspired by America’s preeminent playwright. One such student was Callie Holley, who we had the pleasure of speaking to about her journey through the competition, how Wilson’s work has continued to inspire her through her studies and inspire generations to come.

A new generation of performers is discovered in “Giving Voice,” which follows the emotional journey of six students as they advance through the high-stakes August Wilson Monologue Competition, an event that celebrates one of America’s preeminent playwrights. Every year, thousands of students from twelve cities across the United States perform...

True to its title, “Giving Voice” amplifies the lives and talents of half a dozen high school students from different American cities who aim to be finalists in the national August Wilson monologue competition. Co-directors James D. Stern and Fernando Villena’s inspirational documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival pre-pandemic, chronicles Wilson’s work and how it impacts the lives of these youngsters. Produced by musician John Legend, “Giving Voice” adds marquee value to its six unknowns by including appearances by Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, who co-starred in the 2016 adaptation of his Pulitzer-winning play, “Fences.”

Among the film’s subjects, Nia Sarfo prepares a monologue from “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” In between her studies, she trains hard in hope of becoming a professional actress. This is the second time around for Freedom Martin, whereas Cody Merridith represents the kid with raw talent. With no formal acting training,...