#83 – Viola Davis book review pt 1: Catharsis through art

Trauma.

People love to hear a good success story and the happily ever after. But what about the genesis?

Everyone has a genesis. Everyone has a past.

A history. A story. A collection of memories. Selective memories.

Most people have been through things they would choose to not vocalise. Things they would prefer to forget, to compartmentalise and store in the furthest part of their memory.

Not Viola Davis.

The epitome of Black excellence. Multiple awards. Countless TV shows, theatre productions and films.

But have you ever wondered why and how actors are so good at their job? How do they display so much emotion? How are they able to get so into character?

In Viola’s case – trauma.

My introduction to Viola

Viola Davis. The woman herself. Even her name sounds like the name of someone who was meant to be famous. It’s giving Black excellence.

I first came across her in the amazing How to get away with murder. Side note: that show is deffo in my top 5 series of all time. In the show, she plays the lead role and her acting, whew chile. I loved how she was a strong Black independent woman, and was unapologetic about it as well.

I will always remember the scene of her getting home, wiping off her makeup and taking off her wig. An event that’s all too common to us Black girls (obvs the Black girls who wear wigs, before people start complaining about the UK Black girl aesthetic).

I really enjoyed that scene because you don’t see that every day. You don’t tend to see representation.

Anyways, so I heard she had a memoir out, but I wasn’t fussed. A lot of famous people release memoirs, because it’s just something rich and famous people like to do right?

So, I heard a few good reviews about Viola’s memoir. People were saying how it really resonated with them, especially as a Black woman. Then I heard people talking about this interview she did with Oprah.

One day, while I was straightening my wig, I thought let me go and watch this infamous interview.

Bro, I was in shock.

I couldn’t believe what Viola had experienced in her life.

After that interview, I said yeah, I’m reading her book.

Thank God for Audible and their free trial. I was able to listen to the audiobook for free.

Now, let’s get into this Viola Davis book review.

Childhood trauma

When I say there are levels to poverty. Some may have grown up poor, but they didn’t realise until older. In Viola’s case she grew up poor (or po should I say) and she knew very well her family was poor.

Imagine not having hot water to shower. Or living in a house that’s invested with rats that you can hear as you sleep. Imagine having to go to school in wet clothes because you have nowhere to dry them.

To top all of this off, she also grew up in an abusive household and experienced sexual abuse and racism.

What I found so powerful about Viola, is that she didn’t let her past define her. It didn’t stop her from dreaming big and wanting a better life for herself.

My dreams were bigger than my fears.

Viola Davis

When she was 14 years old she decided she would be an actress. It definitely wasn’t a linear journey. But as always, through talent, hard work, determination, support and confidence, she made it to where she is today.

(Side note: this isn’t like a typical Viola Davis book review. Honestly, I’m not going to give you an in depth overview of the book, I’m just sharing the key points that stood out to me).

A Juilliard alumni with countless awards. Most notably, she’s the only African American woman to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting with an Academy, Emmy and two Tony Awards! Large up her for real.

Catharsis through art

My art was the best healing tool to resolve my pain… every character you play forces you to explore your own brokenness.

Viola Davis

When Viola said this statement, it immediately reminded me of an episode of Diary of a CEO, where Steven Bartlett sat down with Maisie Williams, one of the actors from Game of Thrones. Maisie shared how she also had a traumatic childhood and channelled all her energy and built-up emotion into the character she had to play.

In her interview with Oprah, Viola shared that she felt like what she couldn’t express in her life, she could express in character, and she was celebrated for it as well.

Acting was a form of catharsis for her. The release of suppressed emotions. The freedom to truly express how she felt.

It was basically a form of therapy for her. She was able to be vulnerable. Able to scream, to shout, to cry. To showcase emotion and not be judged. A safe space.

How many of us have safe places? Or maybe a safe person? Someone we can just be real with. Be honest with.

Find people in your life who love you and they will give you permission to love yourself.

Viola Davis

Please, abeg, this doesn’t necessarily need to be a romantic partner as well. Some of you need to stop waiting for a husband to come and save you. Jesus is the only Saviour thank you xx

I would encourage you to pray for friends that make you feel safe, seen and heard. Friends that make you feel loved. Friends that allow you to be yourself, unapologetically.

When you are in the face of compassion and empathy, it’s amazing how it kills shame. Because you’re seen and you’re seen for something way more valuable than your circumstances.

Viola Davis

For part 2 of the Viola Davis book review:

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Resources

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Podcast

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