Description

Episode 21 takes a deep dive with Sharon D. Johnson, Ph.D into the feature film THE WOMAN KING. You may remember Dr. Johnson from the podcast “SANDITON Regency Fiction and Racial History” (episode 13)

In this podcast  we talk about:

• THE WOMAN KING as an example of how historical film offers a form of “medicine” for healing of historical wounds and trauma
• The impact of centering “highly melanated” women in the story and on screen
• Sisterhood among the Agojie women as depicted in the film

NOTE: Spoilers in this episode (in case you haven't seen the film)

Dr. Johnson is a screenwriter, journalist, depth psychologist, and scholar of television, film, and African American arts, literature, and culture. She is also a story consultant for the PBS drama series MASTERPIECE.

THE WOMAN KING is the story of the Agojie, the all-female warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Viola Davis) as she inspires the King to take on Dahomey Kingdom’s enemies who are determined to violate their honor and destroy their way of life. On this journey Nanisca meets a young woman named Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) who challenges Nanisca’s authority but is committed to becoming part of the Agojie warriors.

THE WOMAN KING is directed by Gina Prince Bythewood, with screenplay by Dana Stevens, and story by Dana Stevens and Maria Bello.

Episode 21 TIMESTAMPS

0:08 - Podcast Intro

1:09 - Sharon D. Johnson guest intro

2:03 - The Woman King synopsis

3:05 - Reaction to The Woman King film (Sharon D. Johnson)

6:30 - The Agojie Warriors (historical accuracy and narrative film)

13:09 - Pain Points, Forgiveness, and Healing (the Africa and the Slave Trade)

24:24 - Why do we glorigy empire?

28:24 - Healing historical traumas and wounds

31:08 - Seeking ancestry stories

34:11 - BREAK content

34:42 - Centering Women's Relationships

44:02 - No "white saviors" in THE WOMAN KING/we are our own liberators

49:00 - Depictions of Dark Skinned Black Women

55:12 - Giving Viola Davis her due

58:45 - Lightning Round -- who would you be in The Woman King?

1:03:13 - Close

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