Despite locked-down induced creative slowdowns; US-based, Zimbabwean Actor Tongayi Chirisa has been busy. In addition to his small-screen work on The Jim Gaffigan Show. Tongayi plays supporting roles in 2020 big screen releases; ‘Palm Springs’ and ‘Antebellum’.
The latter is certainly more interesting as it has drawn an immense amount of debate. From the producers of ‘Get Out’ and ‘Us’; Antebellum features Pop-culture stars such as Janelle Monae and Gabourey Sidibe. The film juxtaposes 21st-century life ie. well-to-do black Americans thrust into the horrors of past slavery.
Antebellum has been described as an alternate reality black consciousness horror movie that blurs history and saddisitc fantasy.
Tongayi Chirisa in “Antebellum.” Photo: Matt Kennedy Courtesy of LionsgateTongayi Chirisa plays a fellow ‘negro on the plantation‘ named Eli as well as a College Professor name Tarasai.
We think they meant ‘Tarisai’, LOL!
Although Antebellum has attracted some harsh criticism for its violent depictions of slavery, we’re just glad to see our boy WITHIN!
In a recent interview with EUR, Tongayi a reasoned that Antebellum is the reality of everyday racism today.
It is the mirror of what is happening today. It is no different to what was taking place in the 1960s with the civil rights movement, with the slaves, with underground railroads, with people trying to fight for freedom and liberty. The same theme is recurring 400 years later, which is, give us our freedom. Give us the equality that you so spoke about. Give us the privileges that you are so enjoying, and yet somehow you keep suppressing us from having those same benefits. Give us our equality!
Have a look at the trailer below, and tell us what you think of Tongayi’s role in Antebellum.
