

"Hollywood Must Stop Lecturing Ordinary People" - Clifton Duncan
Feb 24, 2021
Clifton Duncan, a classically trained theatre actor and Broadway veteran, shares his unfiltered views on the entertainment industry. He critiques Hollywood's 'woke storytelling' trend and emphasizes the need for authenticity over moralistic narratives. Discussion also centers on the challenges black artists face, the cultural decline in cinema, and the importance of genuine storytelling. Duncan advocates for courageous voices in art and urges listeners to prioritize human connection amidst divisive societal narratives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Political Biases in Auditions
- Clifton Duncan shared how auditioning can be challenging when casting directors bring political biases into the process.
- He prioritizes his career, wanting to work and pay off loans, over engaging in political discussions during auditions.
The Cost of Self-Censorship
- Duncan observes that actors often suppress parts of themselves to play diverse roles.
- This constant self-censorship can lead to a 'deadness behind the eyes,' hindering their ability to connect with audiences authentically.
Dismissing Historical Context
- Duncan recounts an experience in a play set in 1947 where he suggested exploring workplace tensions between men and women.
- His idea was dismissed with the claim that 'women have always been working,' shutting down exploration of historical context.