The CBC Film Adaptation Of The Book Of Negroes: Episode Three

January 21, 2015 by Masterclass Lady 5 Comments


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Picture Credit: The Book Of Negroes/CBC

Last week, we were introduced to the adult Animata, impeccably portrayed by Aunjanue Ellis. The story surrounded Animata’s adjustment to her new home in The Carolinas while deflecting the affections of the two men who own her.

I have to say that the acting was extremely powerful and the storyline was incredibly compelling.

However, at times, It was very difficult to watch.

Some of the scenes were very disturbing yet understandably necessary for the validity of the the story. Reality doesn’t come easy – the dramatic events in this episode chilled me to the core. The inhumanity of man against woman was told with brutal honesty.

Even a week later, many of the scenes still burn in my mind – they were produced with meticulous care and precise attention to detail.

The only bright spot in last week’s episode was the marital union of Animata with her childhood friend, Chekura, followed by the birth of their baby girl, Rosa. However, as the story unfolded, even these events were marred and short -lived.

This week, Animata escapes to a black ghetto town in New York – Canvas Town – at the same time as the American Revolution breaks out in New York. Her escape from Solomon Lindo is assisted by an influential Black innkeeper named Sam Fraunces (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Chekura, her husband, comes briefly into her life once again and the plot thickens from there. Come on – I can’t give it all away, can I?

Congratulations to the producers, the writers, the technical staff, the musicians, the actors and everyone involved with this remarkable mini-series. You should be proud.

And, as always, a special shout-out to the Associate Producer, Justin Giallonardo – my nephew , for his hard work and artistic contribution to this series. We are so thrilled for you and very proud.

Here in Canada, the second episode of Lawrence Hill’s award-winning novel, “The Book Of Negroes“, continues on Wednesday, January 21st on CBC Television at 9:00 PM.

However, check your TV listings. One station actually aired the show at 8:00 PM last week.

And, if you are unable to watch it on HDTV, then you can purchase the full season of The Book of Negroes or catch a Sneak Peek of The Book of Negroes on iTunes.

Comments are now open for your insights and analysis.

Books, Film, Television, Vocal Masterclass Articles
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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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5 Responses to “The CBC Film Adaptation Of The Book Of Negroes: Episode Three”

  1. jrzgrl1 January 22, 2015 at 11:50 am

    Wow, this sounds like a great series, MCL! I wish we had access to CBC. We don’t have Netflix either because of not having high capacity Internet at home (we got rid of our satellite Internet because it was really really really bad, now have an AT&T “hotspot” which works well for routine things). I hope it will be available as a series via Amazon or other Internet outlet at some point. Sounds like it might not be as totally relentless depressing as “Twelve Years a Slave” which I was able to see in the theater right at the end of its run here. Very important film that every white citizen of the United States ought to see. Thanks for the tip!!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Masterclass Lady January 22, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    It is available on iTunes. At least, in Canada it is. Not sure about the US. Or you can head o mover to CBC.ca as they post the episodes as well. You will love it. It is intense though.

    Like

  3. Masterclass Lady January 22, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    Here is the link: http://www.cbc.ca/bookofnegroes/

    Like

  4. jrzgrl1 January 22, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Thank you!!

    Like

  5. kitty January 27, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    Thank you so much for the link! I wanted to see it so badly.

    Liked by 1 person

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