In this featurette for the film "Fences" (Paramount Pictures), cast members delve into the talent and contributions of Denzel Washington as both actor and director.
Directed by Washington, Fences is based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same title. It’s the first work of the late Wilson to be brought to the big screen.
Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, Fences introduces us to Troy Maxson (portrayed by Washington), a sanitation worker who once dreamed of a professional baseball career but was too old when the major leagues began admitting black players. That injustice gnaws at him as he struggles to provide for his family. At the same time he makes a life decision which threatens to tear that family apart, jeopardizing his marriage to Rose (Viola Davis). Washington and Davis reprise their roles from the 2010 stage revival of Fences which garnered Tony Awards for both actors. Also coming to the film from that Broadway production were Mykelti Williamson, Russell Hornsby and Stephen Henderson. Jovan Adepo and Saniyya Sidney round out the film’s cast.
