Colman Domingo: "Sing Sing"

Colman Domingo made an impact in "Passing Strange," then his career didn't unfold the way he wanted. He was close to obtaining a role in "Boardwalk Empire," but, at the last minute, a researcher decided his (Domingo's) skin was not "the right shade of Black."

Domingo threatened to quit the arts; his friend, Daniel Breaker, interceded. Next: "The Walking Dead," and remarkable roles in "Zola," "The Color Purple," and "Sing Sing."

We are all at least up to our neck in worries--but maybe an incarcerated character is slightly "deeper in sewage." Domingo's protagonist has an artistic background; things were going well until an economic crisis, which led to months of drug-dealing. A murder occurred; Domingo wasn't involved, but he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Exculpatory evidence exists, but no authority figure seems invested in the process of evaluating that evidence.

Domingo's character opts to make use of his prison sentence; he starts a theater. This would seem to be a feather in his cap--except that it actually gets weaponized. At a clemency hearing, Domingo speaks proudly about "rehabilitation through the arts." His interviewer stuns him; she says, "You're quite an actor. Is it possible that you're acting right now?"

Domingo recalibrates; he almost decides to explain that acting is not lying, when he realizes that pedantry is not a route to choose, in this moment. It's a heartbreaking, riveting scene.

In another exchange, Domingo coaches a colleague, who wants to depict rage. Domingo says, "Rage is easy. Pick something more challenging. What is underneath the rage? It's pain; it's hurt."

"Sing Sing" is a gem, and Domingo seems more and more like an all-time hall of famer. I'm curious to see what he will do with the upcoming Michael Jackson movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3dXc6P3zH8

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