Announced last week, the April 12th episode of WGN America’s gripping, hit series, “Underground,” which will air at a special time, starting at 8p.m. ET/PT, will, in its entirety, feature a solo performance by Aisha Hinds, whose electrifying portrayal of Harriet Tubman has already captivated viewers and critics around the country. Tubman, the Underground Railroad’s most famous conductor, risks her life repeatedly in order to free her family members and lead anyone willing to journey north across hostile territory, to freedom – a task she believes is her God-given mission.
“When introducing someone as iconic as Harriet Tubman, we felt compelled to attempt an episode as revolutionary as her spirit. When we learned through research in 1858 she began to give talks about her life to like-minded abolitionists to raise money for the cause, we knew we had our in: A ‘Ted Talk’ with Harriet Tubman,” said “Underground” Creators, Writers and Executive Producers Misha Green and Joe Pokaski. “Our amazing crew, led by our director/executive producer Anthony Hemingway, set a beautiful stage for Aisha Hinds’ powerhouse performance. And we can only hope we did Araminta ‘Minty’ Ross proud.”
Araminta Ross was Tubman’s birth name, for those unaware.
“This episode is truly one of a kind. It alone, masterfully revolutionizes TV storytelling,” said Anthony Hemingway, “Underground” Director and Executive Producer. “Aisha surrenders herself to the spirit of Harriet Tubman and gracefully reintroduces us to Harriet’s humanity by sharing her story, in a chillingly exceptional performance. I am extremely proud of the amazing artistry that every cast and crew member poured into making ‘Underground,’ it’s the most exhilarating experience I’ve had as a filmmaker.”
Hinds added, “Playing Harriet Tubman is both a great honor and also a tremendous call to duty as we examine how familiar the pain of our past can be felt in the present. In sight of and in spite of the overwhelming obstacles stacked against her, Harriet transcended bondage and inspired generations in the pursuit of liberty.”
In the all-new, extended episode entitled, “Minty,” written by series co-creators Misha Green and Joe Pokaski, and directed by Anthony Hemingway, Tubman delivers a monumental and definitive speech about her life, her divine purpose and the perilous but necessary fight for freedom. Set in 1858 against the backdrop of a nation deeply divided by race, class and gender, Tubman makes a passionate plea to abolitionists to shift their thinking as she challenges them to take swift action against those who are determined to oppress others. It’s a performance that is not to be missed.
“Minty” will air on Wednesday, April 12 during a special time slot at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on WGN America, with back-to-back encore airings throughout the night.
WGN has released a teaser for the episode which is embedded below:
