The antebellum South is the subject of a new limited series on Showtime called The Good Lord Bird. The series is based on the novel by James McBride, who won the National Book Award for his novel in 2013.

The series is about the journey of abolitionist John Brown, played by Ethan Hawke, and his attempt to end slavery. Actor Hubert Point-Du Jour stars alongside Hawke, who explained to NY1’s George Whipple that the series is told through the eyes of a newly freed 14-year-old and leads to larger than life portrayals and humor. 

Hubert Point-Du Jour said he stars as Bob, a newly freed slave who joins Brown’s posse, which separates him from his family.

“When he's removed from bondage, he is separated from his his wife and kids, and he has this really tough decision to make," Point-Du Jour said.

Point-Du Jour went back to his college days to refresh his memory about the early efforts to end slavery.

“I went to NYU and I took great African-African American history courses there. So I dusted off my old books from college, and I dug in, and in particular, John Brown. I really couldn't remember much about him," Point-Du Jour said.

As John Brown and his followers make their way to Harpers Ferry, they encounter historical figures like Harriett Tubman and Frederick Douglass, played by Daveed Diggs. 

Point-Du Jour said he believes the story highlights racial issues in the world today.

“You can't help but watch this show and have it resonate and in some way during, right during these times. I hope that the show engages people in a fun way, but then also encourages people to to go back and look at the actual historical events. I think that would be a great outcome.”

The Good Lord Bird is playing now on Showtime.