IN CONVERSATION WITH ERNEST KINGSLEY JR.

interview by JANA LETONJA

Ernest Kingsley Jr.  stars as the title character in the new Hulu series ‘Washington Black’, that debuted on 23rd July. Straight out of drama school, he was cast in Marvel’s ‘Sandman’ and ‘War of the Worlds’. Ernest has also performed on the main stage at the Royal Court, playing ‘Scotch’ in ‘Is God Is’.

We can currently watch you in Hulu’s ‘Washington Black’. What drew you to the role of Wash Black, and what was your first reaction when you learned you’d been cast?

Oh, it was surreal. The best way I can describe is that it felt like pins and needles all over my body. Strange, I know.  I was on the train home, and my agent called me at midnight. I’ll never forget the feeling. It was a no brainer accepting this role. It’s a dream role, filled such a fantastical, elevating adventure. It’d be silly not to be a part of this.

Wash is such a complex, resilient character. How did you prepare, emotionally and mentally, to portray his journey from enslavement to liberation?

I had the book at my disposal, which was a great starting point. It’s written so beautifully by Esi Edugyan. I just did a lot of research into the time period, and everything surrounding it. It’s this whole world of transcending through pain to a realm of actualising your dreams. So, immersing myself was crucial.

How did filming in such diverse locations, like Iceland, Mexico, and Nova Scotia, impact your performance and your connection to Wash’s journey?

It was a gift. I had never been to any of these countries before, and neither had Wash. So, we could definitely share that wonder together. Wash’s journey is filled with such curiosity and amazement, so getting to travel to these different terrains, seeing different cultures, definitely helped.

Sterling K. Brown not only executive produced the series but is also a mentor to you. What has that relationship meant to you as a young actor?

It’s meant the world to me. Not just a young actor, but as a human being. He is the definition of living and leading with love. He does it so effortlessly, so generously. Being able to act alongside one of the greats, and just to take notes from his performances, has been nothing short of a blessing.

What’s one piece of advice Sterling gave you that stuck with you on set, or off?

When you follow your spirit, you can very rarely go wrong. He always says when he’s making decisions, he uses his spirit as his compass. And that it doesn’t lead him astray. So, it’s something I’m trying to practise much more in my life.

The series explores themes of identity, freedom, and found family. Which of these themes resonated most deeply with you personally?

 All of those themes resonate with me. Found family, especially. I’ve come to realise that the company you keep is so important. Filming ‘Washington Black’ across a year, we became one big family off and on set.  We held and supported each other. I’ve made relationships that I’ll keep forever.

 How do you hope ‘Washington Black’ contributes to the ongoing conversation around race, diaspora, and historical narratives?

I think in the past, there’s been an indulgence in stories that luxuriate in Black pain. Especially within slave narratives. I hope people can watch this and see the transcendence beyond that. Life after freedom. A life filled with all the love, joy, and whimsy, that is attainable for us. Our stories can be fantastical, too. I want them to feel that ‘Black boy Joy’, to quote Sterling K. Brown.

In Netflix’s ‘The Sandman’ you’ve played a previous version of the character ‘Dream’ thousands of years ago but in flashbacks – did you enjoy playing a role based on the DC comic book series?

It was really cool. It’s always fun to jump into a world that is so rich and compelling , with fantasy. And there are some hardcore ‘Sandman’ comic fans out there, so it was nice to play a role that the fans enjoyed.

What was your experience performing at the Royal Court?

 It was so much fun. It was my first theatre performance right after drama school. I had a great time, with some great people. I actually did my chemistry reads in the dressing rooms, putting my iPad on a stack of books. Good memories.

Looking back on your role in ‘Is God Is’, how did that stage performance inform or contrast with your approach to Washington Black?

My character in ‘Is God Is’ was much more outlandish that in ‘Washington Black’. And they had very different upbringings. I think what’s so great about theatre is that it’s such a gym for actors. It’s the actor’s medium. So, it was great to go from doing theatre straight to a series. I felt prepared.

Tell us a bit about your other passions, outside of acting.

I love football/soccer. I play twice a week. It was a childhood passion, and it nearly became a profession, but acting stole the show. I also love chess.  Eddie Karanja, who plays young Wash, would play with me during filming. Unfortunately, he’d beat me mercilessly.

What is coming up next for you, after ‘Washington Black’?

I’m producing a short film which I’ve written, called ‘Love Story’, which starts filming in early August. And then I’ll be doing a really cool play towards the end of the year. But right now, I’m focussed on celebrating the launch of the show on Hulu and Disney+. Reuniting with my ‘Washington Black’ family is such a treat.

CREDITS

photography DISNEY/JAMES PARDON