Elarica Johnson – P-Valley

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for the new series “P-Valley.”

A) “P-Valley” is a show set in the Mississippi Delta and follows the lives of women who work in a strip club. It opens the world up to the strip club culture, while unravelling the lives of those who work and enter The Pynk (the club). “P-Valley” is a focus on women, there trials and tribulations and their jobs as dancers.

Q) How was your character Autumn Night originally described to you?

A) Autumn Night was described to me as a woman in pain, with a big heart and an abundance of inner strength. She’s smart and often judged by the way she looks, but has had to go through a lot of pain and heartbreak.

Q) Was there something you added to the role that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

A) At first her background hadn’t been fully broken down to me, so I created a diary for her. A lot of people suffering with PTSD and trauma will have a place that they can either write or disclose their feelings, somewhere that feels safe. The diary I created was a safe place for her, somewhere she could hide everything from the world. This, for me, gave her a place to hide her secrets.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your co-stars before working with them on this series?

A) The great thing about the show is it’s all up and coming talent, so some of them have recently started out or have been in shows that haven’t reached me in London. The only people I knew of were the incredible Parker Sawyers (Andre), our Mayor Ruffin (Isaiah Washington) and the legendary Loretta Devine.

Q) What kind of dance background did you bring to the role?

A) As a child I did a lot of dance, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Rock n Roll and Contemporary. I also took gymnastic classes, so I would like to think I had some movement skill from all those years ago!

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes or episodes to film?

A) I think the excitement of Ep 1 is definitely up there! I love the first few moments of being a new character and introducing them to the other actors and people on set.

We have some great scenes at The Pynk, in particular one where we are all on the pole. I enjoyed that a lot.

Q) How did you shake off a long day on set?

A) With a big plate of food and a cup of tea!

Q) What is it about STARZ that makes it a perfect home for this show?

A) STARZ is the home of some incredible shows, past and present on cable TV. They are constantly pushing boundaries with their content while also showing a huge range of diversity in the selected shows and the story lines within them. “P-Valley” fits perfectly as it’s a show that’s not only full of complexity, but also has voices of women and men that need to be heard. STARZ knows how important that is.

Q) What do you think it is about “P-Valley” that’s going to make it a fast fan favorite intense series?

A) The incredible characters will have the hearts of the audience without a doubt. And, if not, then the mesmerizing dances and tremendous plot twists that Katori [Hall] has so effortlessly weaved in. will keep people wanting more!

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll be receiving to the show?

A) I’m hoping everyone enjoys the show and takes something away. Social media can create an unhealthy relationship with comment reading. I do try to keep myself from getting too involved, but it’s always good to hear how people feel.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

A) I am so thankful to have people follow what I do and enjoy my work. I started doing this job because it made me feel good and I wanted to do that for others. I’m completely filled with gratitude knowing that people can see my work and feel that way too. Words don’t feel like enough, but thank you.