Danielle Brooks on the Transition From Broadway to the Big Screen for The Color Purple

We sat down to talk with Danielle Brooks about her Oscar nominated performance as Sofia in The Color Purple. From the book to the big screen, she highlighted the deep influence that this story has had on her career and her connection to the themes of systemic oppression, overcoming generational trauma, and finding your internal strength. 

After playing Sofia in the Broadway adaptation, she compared her experiences on stage to the film and used it to extend smaller details of her character that would emphasize the profound emotions in each scene. She praised the writers, director, and castmates for providing the creative space to show her interpretations, and related the artistic freedom to her days at Juilliard. Despite the physical and emotional tolls the role took on her, she was dedicated to giving her everything to the part as a responsibility to the audience and expressed her gratitude to Sofia for helping her learn how to be comfortable in her own power.

Watch the full conversation below.

Q&A on the film The Color Purple with actor Danielle Brooks. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company.

A woman faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.