Adrien Brody Stars as a Death Row Prisoner in 'The Fear of 13'
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Adrian Brody joins host Alison Stewart to discuss his powerful Broadway performance in 'The Fear of 13,' a play based on the true story of Nick Yarris, a man wrongfully imprisoned on death row for 22 years. Brody portrays Yarris from childhood through incarceration, exploring themes of injustice, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection. The play, directed by David Cromer, uses intimate one-on-one sessions between Yarris and a volunteer visitor, Jackie (played by Tessa Thompson), to unfold a deeply emotional narrative that evolves into a poignant romance. Brody reflects on the emotional weight of the role, the profound impact of storytelling, and the importance of empathy in the face of systemic failure. He shares how meeting Yarris in person deepened his understanding of the character’s inner strength and spiritual clarity despite unimaginable suffering.
Storytelling is a bridge to empathy and truth, especially when conveying lived experiences of injustice.
Hope, even when fragile, can be a lifeline for those in extreme isolation and despair.
The prison system shapes individuals in profound ways, but personal growth and insight are still possible.
Intimacy through voice and silence—like phone calls and poetry readings—can create deep emotional connections.
Artistic constraints, such as physical confinement on stage, can heighten emotional impact and authenticity.
The Story Behind the Play: Nick Yarris and the Fear of 13
“How does a man spend 22 years behind bars, on death row for a crime he did not commit?”
Adrian Brody’s Journey to the Stage
Brody discusses his emotional connection to the script, the challenges of returning to theater, and the transformative power of Lindsay Ferentino’s writing.
Meeting Nick Yarris: The Human Behind the Story
“He has a lot of perspective... that many of us are less familiar with of time and of the preciousness of the time available to us.”
Storytelling, Acting, and the Power of Connection
Brody reflects on the relationship between storytelling and acting, and how empathy and personal connection deepen performance.
Hope, Isolation, and the Evolution of Love on Death Row
“To hear her say it so beautifully and softly, it's quite special, yeah. Hope is an important theme in the show.”
“How does a man spend 22 years behind bars, on death row for a crime he did not commit?”
“There's always doubt... there's doubt in Jackie's mind, I think there's doubt in people's minds when someone recounts circumstances and have also been condemned.”
“He has a lot of perspective... that many of us are less familiar with of time and of the preciousness of the time available to us.”
Host
Guest
Adrian Brody
person
The Fear of 13
other
Nick Yarris
person
Alison Stewart
person
Tessa Thompson
person
David Cromer
person
James Earl Jones Theater
other
Lindsay Ferentino
person
Maggie Smith
person
The Slowdown
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