‘Speaking In Tongues Is Sort of…’: Andra Day Reveals One Trick She Used To Improvise Scenes In The Deliverance

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As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for personal growth and spiritual journeys, I find Andra Day’s transformation from a skeptic to an embracer of faith truly captivating. Her portrayal of Ebony Jackson in “The Deliverance” is not only a testament to her acting skills but also a reflection of her real-life journey with faith.

In contrast to the character she played in The Deliverance, who lacked faith in religious rituals, Andra Day drew upon her spiritual connection for improvisation. The upcoming Netflix suspense horror film, starring eight-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close, explores a theme that had personal relevance to Day’s real-life beliefs.

The story revolves around Ebony Jackson (Day), an alcoholic single mother to three children, and her mother (Close) with whom she has a complicated relationship. Struggling to support her children, Ebony moves into a new house without realizing that it has a demonic presence. 

Even though she had long rejected it, when her children were taken over by demons, she was compelled to turn to the spiritual realm she had distanced herself from years earlier for assistance.

In a particular scene, Day’s character begins to utter words from an unidentified language as part of a religious ritual invoking Jesus. In an interview with PEOPLE, the actress disclosed that she was indeed reciting this mysterious language, which she referred to as an act of devotion or worship.

In simpler terms, Day likened speaking as if one were using a “divine language,” suggesting that her ability to articulate ideas evolved gradually over the course of her lifetime, even though she doesn’t always do it.

In her younger years, she admitted to being quite fearful and uneasy about [it], as she put it. She recollected witnessing her mother speak in tongues when she was a child, finding it bizarre and even a bit crazy at the time. Yet, as she grew older, her bond with God strengthened. She confessed to God, “I yearn for that intimacy with you, I long for that divine language.” So, she continued practicing, persistently seeking that connection.

For over a year, I experienced an unusual sensation within me, almost as if a spiritual entity was invading my body. Yet, it wasn’t until later when I could truly grasp its impact and appreciate the clarity it brought. When the moment came in the movie where such feelings were needed, I chose not to perform but instead, I recited prayers and allowed it to unfold naturally. Director Lee Daniels admired this approach, valuing the authenticity it provided for our production.

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2024-08-16 20:07