‘Black Panther’ General Danai Gurira on ‘Richard III,’ Toxic Masculinity and Surprise Guest Stars in Central Park

variety.com:

Gordon Cox Theater EditorBefore Danai Gurira returns this fall as the Wakandan general Okoye in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” she’s scheming and murdering her way onto the English throne in director Robert O’Hara’s new production of “Richard III” at the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park.

Here are three things to know about “The Walking Dead” star’s latest endeavors. Her “Richard III” is all about toxic masculinity.“We’ve always been around toxic masculinity, but I think there are ways that we’re labeling and seeing it now,” says Gurira. “There are these ongoing issues in how our nations are led and in how our politics function and in how toxic masculinity finds its way through society, and I hope it illuminates things when it’s coming through my being.” She adds: “It’s been interesting to get an understanding of how much privilege comes with it.

Women can’t express rage without often being punished for it, whereas for men it’s a sign of strength and power when they’re allowed to live in that rageful place.

At one point during rehearsals I realized, ‘Oh, I get it. Richard’s having fun with being able to unhinge like that and get away with it.’” She’s got a number of a projects in development.