Navigating the Role of Racism in Acting: How Actors Handle Racist Characters

Acting is a diverse and complex art form that requires performers to step into characters that may be vastly different from their own experiences and perspectives. Among the most challenging roles include those that require actors to portray characters with racist views. How do actors navigate these roles and manage the emotional toll they take?

The Technique of Tapping In and Out

Actors are trained to explore the nuances of their characters, delving into both the surface-level and deep emotional layers. The technique of tapping in and out is particularly useful for roles that involve acting out intimate or morally challenging scenarios, such as portraying a character with racist beliefs.

The process involves a conscious awareness of transitioning between the character and the actor. Before delving into the performance, the actor acknowledges that they are about to portray the character and do anything required by the role. After the performance, they tap out, acknowledging that they have finished the scene and are now working with their fellow cast members.

This technique allows actors to maintain a clear boundary between the character they are portraying and their own sense of self, preventing them from becoming emotionally entangled in the character's actions and beliefs.

The Experience from "No Way Out"

One of the most notable examples of an actor navigating a challenging role is when Sidney Poitier played a Black character in the 1950 film No Way Out. Richard Widmark was cast as a racist character, and before filming began, he apologized to Poitier in advance for all the racist things he was going to say.

Poitier, himself a Black actor advocating for racial equality, accepted Widmark's apology and turned it into a positive experience. They not only became good friends but also worked collaboratively to create a meaningful and thought-provoking performance.

This real-life interaction highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding between cast members. Poitier's acceptance of Widmark's apology and the subsequent friendship demonstrate that despite the challenging nature of the role, a shared goal of improving the quality of the film can bridge divides.

Understanding the Character Without Judgement

Actors must avoid judging their characters. The audience has the privilege of making value judgments and drawing conclusions. The actor's role is to inhabit the character truthfully, even if it involves confronting uncomfortable emotions or beliefs. This is achieved by internalizing the character's mindset and actions, albeit at a lower intensity than the character experience.

Emotional detachment is essential when portraying harmful or offensive characters. Actors must avoid internalizing the negative attributes and behaviors they depict. This not only protects the actor's mental health but also ensures that the performance remains authentic and powerful, without the actor's personal biases influencing the portrayal.

Conclusion

Acting in a role that involves racism requires careful and thoughtful preparation. Actors must employ techniques like tapping in and out to maintain a clear separation between their character and their personal self. By doing so, they can deliver a performance that is both emotionally resonant and respectful to all parties involved.

In the spirit of Sidney Poitier and Richard Widmark's collaboration, the film industry can continue to produce meaningful and impactful films that challenge societal norms and promote understanding and harmony. The key lies in respect, mutual understanding, and a commitment to creating truly representative and ethical representations of diverse characters and stories.