Queen Sugar Season 4 - Q & A w/ Kofi Siriboe
Season 4 of Queen Sugar is premiering on OWN, June 12th , I recently got a chance to interview Kofi in NYC while at the third annual Split Screens Fest at the IFC Center. We talked about what to expect with Ralph Angel and things he was looking forward to touching upon this season! Just an FYI, ladies he is just as amazing in person as on-screen!
Kofi Siriboe at IFC Center third annual Split Screens Festival in New York City - photo credit IFC Center/ Lou Aguilar
What emotions did you have to bring to your character this season (as we begin season 4 of Queen Sugar) that you didn’t have to in previous seasons as your character has evolved?
KS: I feel like there is a level of stability that I had to bring to Ralph Angel. We’ve seen him fluctuate, go through very highs and very lows. I think for him, it’s trying to find that stable ground and design that space for his life and his family. I really try to keep everything level, keep that balance even.
From the trailers it looks like Darla (Bianca Lawson) may not be in Ralph Angel’s life or at least in a different way. From the scripts you have received and filmed thus far, talk about how that affected Ralph Angel and your relationship with your son Blue?
KS: A) It’s a progression as I don’t know everything that’s going to happen at once, and I’m also figuring it out as we go but I think it’s real. I also think I’m used to not being with Darla unfortunately because of last season. There was so much distance after what was revealed at the end of, in season 2. I think the main thing is they’re working on themselves, rehabilitating their trust and love as individuals. I think the more they work on themselves, that’s going to transfer into their relationship. It’s difficult because I love Bianca (working with her), but on a story and character level it makes perfect sense.
After you left last season, what were you hoping as an actor would happen with your character and to evolve him for this season, and did that match up with the scripts so far this season that you have filmed?
KS: Yes, for the most part I feel like he left off so broken after that revelation. It was just so hard (it would be hard for anyone). I was just hoping we see him explore himself more and maybe rekindle that relationship with himself maybe old friends, new relationships, even getting closure on some pieces of his past history, but I’m seeing all of that happen in pieces so it’s nice.
You have been playing this character for a while now. What type of emotional armor do you have to put around yourself to delve back into playing him?
KS: Really just being stable in my own life. So, when I allow myself to fluctuate and experience the emotions that I think come with being Ralph Angel, I’m able to take off the armor and go home and differentiate my weight, my life, my identity from his, which sometimes is blurry to be completely honest. Because I’m so confident in the transformative nature of the show, even though I’m dealing with things that sometimes feel a little heavy, I still am always working towards a higher self whether it’s through the character or my personal self.
