Kerry Washington, Kara Young talk ‘The Whoopi Monologues’

Key Takeaways

• The revival of 'The Whoopi Monologues' features a cast of five actresses, acknowledging that the original one-woman show was an extraordinary feat of endurance and performance that requires multiple talents to replicate.
• Kerry Washington’s production company, Simpson Street, aims to center stories of marginalized individuals, ensuring that people who are often ignored or unseen feel like the lead characters in their own lives.
• The production serves as an homage to Whoopi Goldberg’s original work, which provided a foundational roadmap for many contemporary actresses and fundamentally changed their understanding of what was possible in performance.
• By casting five different women to perform the monologues, the production transforms a singular iconic performance into a collective experience that highlights the diverse humanity of the characters portrayed.
• The show is staged at Lincoln Center, a choice intended to honor the sacred nature of the theater space while bringing these deeply personal and impactful stories to new, modern audiences.
• Kara Young emphasizes that embodying these characters is an ongoing, evolving process, particularly when portraying figures like Fantine who represent those frequently overlooked or unheard in society.
• Whoopi Goldberg’s support and mentorship provide a powerful source of encouragement for the cast, reinforcing the idea that the revival is a collaborative extension of her original artistic vision.