'Fences' Actors Talk Film, Experience Shooting In Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The world according to Troy Maxon, lead character in the upcoming movie "Fences," is simple: "A man is supposed to take care of his family."
The stage version of Fences, written by Pittsburgh native August Wilson, won a Pulitzer Prize. But now it comes to the big screen, shot in the Hill District - the community Wilson called home.
Cast members at a press event in Philadelphia Monday said the experience of shooting the moving in August Wilson's childhood neighborhood, made it extremely unique.
"I had never really been in Pittsburgh, but felt a kinship and awareness to it after having read August's work over the last 20 years," said Russell Hornsby, who plays one of Denzel Washington's sons.
Javon Adepo, who plays a second son in the movie said the Pittsburgh community embraced production in their neighborhood.
"The people welcomed us into their homes, made us feel at home. The people really opened up to us. They were completely warm. They were there with us every step of the way when we were filming. We we were up at six in the morning getting read to show, we had a long of people wait to go to work with us," he said.
Director Denzel Washington, also plays the lead Character of Troy Maxon.
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Russel Hornsby who played the same role, on Broadway with both Denzel and costar Viola Davis as he does in the movie is the oldest son - fighting to belong.
Hornsby explained his role.
"I think there was a feeling of resentment towards Troy, because he didn't have a father present," he said.
28-year-old Javon Adepo did not appear in the Broadway version of Fences, but found this role a challenge as Denzel's second son, with a will as strong as his on screen father.
"I think he was going through something that a lot of young men go through. Trying to find the best, most efficient way to do that, while respecting his father wishes as well," he said.
The movie takes place in early 1960's Pittsburgh. But Hornsby believes the message still resonates in 2016.
"The situations are still the same. A man trying to make his way. Men and women trying to make their way. Trying to do their best to be counted. To be looked at as whole."