The Apollo Theater is the stuff of legend. Many artists dream their whole lives of playing it, but never catch of glimpse of it. For those of us still left wondering about the inner workings of the Apollo Theater, HBO’s “The Apollo” has us taken care of.
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Oscar and Emmy-winning director Roger Ross Williams tells the story of the legendary Harlem theater that spans 85 years. Williams chronicles the early years of the theater, in which it was a sacred space for marginalized artists. Over the documentary’s runtime, we see it become a powerful symbol for African Americans.
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“The Apollo” demonstrates the importance that the theater played in shaping Black culture in America, and how it continues to do so to this day. The iconic theater plays a vital part in the cultural conversation in America. This documentary dissects how the Apollo Theater has remained a relevant part of that discussion for so many years. Williams recruits many famous voices to share how the Apollo has shaped their career, often through the theater’s famous “Amateur Night.” Those artists include Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, Patti LaBelle, and more.
Check out the official synopsis for the documentary below:
Weaving together archival footage of music, comedy and dance performances with behind-the-scenes verité footage of the team that makes the theater run, the film features interviews with such artists as Angela Bassett, Common, Jamie Foxx, Doug E. Fresh, Savion Glover, Patti LaBelle, Paul McCartney, Smokey Robinson, and Pharrell Williams. Parallel to the historical narrative, “The Apollo” examines the current state of race in America, chronicling the multimedia stage adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ acclaimed Between the World and Me as it comes together on the theater’s grand stage.
“The Apollo” debuts on November 6 on HBO at 9:00-10:45 p.m. ET/PT. Take a look at the trailer below.
