Ta-Nehisi Coates Goes One-On-One with Ryan Coogler in Candid Discussion About ‘The Water Dancer’

Hard-hitting topics of race, history and politics were a focal point of a recent candid conversation between award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates and ground-breaking director Ryan Coogler.  

Held at the historic West Angeles Church in LA, the conversation focused on Coates’ newly released novel “The Water Dancer,” which explores the emotional trauma of slavery through the eyes of its protagonist, Hiram Walker, who has a photographic memory but cannot remember his own mother.

Coogler led the discussion with a free–flowing style that made the event seem like a chat between two friends. In the conversation, Coogler shared his thoughts and impressions of “The Water Dancer.” Coogler asked Coates questions about his writing process, the connection between slavery and capitalism, the mental health themes of the book, among other topics.

Known for his political journalism, Coates made his entry into fiction writing with “The Water Dancer,” his first novel. The book recently hit number one on Apple Books, and was recently Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club pick. 

The conversation was presented by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, with proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Public Library. Attendees were also treated to a performance from Futa Toro West African Dance Ensemble. 

See photos from an evening with Ta-Nehisi Coates and Ryan Coogler below.