You’ve adapted several American masterworks, most recently Native Son, which is out April 6 on HBO. How intimidating is that process? I find it joyful. With Their Eyes Were Watching God, I basically got to walk in the footsteps of the great one. I felt like I got to hold the hand of Zora Neale Hurston and say, “Sister, what would you like?” Native Son is beautiful and compelling and moving and frightening. Richard Wright already invented the wheel. My job as the adapter is to roll the wheel forward.
Your new play, White Noise, at New York City’s Public Theater, explores how gaining power and privilege can make a person more oppressive. Have you seen that happen? Yes, and to most people in this country—black, white or other. How…
