By Johnny
. . . In his own words
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Gypsy
Caravan –
A Letter from Johnny Depp
by
Johnny Depp
October 21, 2004
Gypsy
Caravan
CD
Released 2006
A
letter
written by Johnny Depp appears in the liner notes of the CD Gypsy
Caravan. The music is from the
2006 film documentary When the Road Bends
. . . tales of a Gypsy Caravan. Johnny makes a cameo
appearance in the
film, praising the Romanian string band Taraf de Haidouks.
One of
Johnny's
comments:
“It
would be great if
by experiencing the Romani people and their music, people can learn
more about
them and understand that what you've believed about these people has
been a lie
your entire life.”
Film
director Jasmine
Dellal, in the CD Liner Notes, explains how Johnny came to write his
letter:
“Negative
stereotypes
run deep. I've heard dozens of Romani American parents tell their kids
not to
admit to being ‘Gypsy’ at school because they'll
get kicked out of class. An
exception was George Eli (the Romani man who recorded sound in my film
and is
now making his own film). George has two sons who he hoped wouldn't
mind
telling their school that they were ‘Gypsy.’ But
his younger boy told him it
would be crazy—the teacher and other kids would assume that
he was a pickpocket
or that he was evil like the Gypsy in the film of Nôtre Dame.
“When
I went to
interview Johnny Depp, I carried a short letter from George about his
sons and
their inability to be proud of being Gypsy. George wanted an autograph
for them
from one of the few Hollywood stars who seems to know about the Romani
people
and support them, without playing into the clichéd
stereotypes of a Gypsy.
“Johnny
Depp was moved
by the request and chose to not just sign a photo, but to write back to
the
young American Romani boys. His letter needs no explanation. I asked
for
permission to reprint it here because it is a touching inspiration
which may
help people beyond George's sons.”
21.X.04
Dear Alex and Christopher,
I have recently been in contact with a young filmmaker, named Jasmine Dellal, who is working on what promises to be an extraordinary film, called Caravan.
The film's subject is Romany music and culture—which is a fascinating ethos. She interviewed me for the film, mainly because about six years ago I had the honour of working with an amazing group of musicians from Romania, “The Taraf de Haidouks.” We did a film together called The Man Who Cried in which I portrayed a Rom/Gypsy—The Taraf played my family. While working on the film together we developed a very close relationship and became great friends. We are still very close to this day—even if we're not able to see one another all the time. This incredible group of men shared with me some of their most beautiful and poignant memories of growing up Rom, of growing up Gypsy, and though I know that it was not always easy for some of them, as the racism and the vicious, ignorant blind persecution of these amazing peoples was, and still is, prominent throughout the world, their ability and strength to smile through it and continue their march forward with great pride and dignity is a lesson and a gift from them to me that I will cherish always and forever.
In
fact, one of the proudest moments of my life
was when
they had decided between themselves that I was not just a Gadjo actor,
or just
another Gadjo person who would use them until I was finished with them
and move
on—no, they had decided to honour me with the title of
“Prahl,” Brother. That
was a defining moment for someone like me who has, in many ways, spent
the majority
of his life not wanting “acceptance” into the
popular cliques, or groups—that
welcoming into the world and family of the Tarafs meant, and still
means,
everything to me.
Your father sent me a very nice letter to thank me for my involvement in Caravan. He mentioned that maybe my participation could be helpful for some Roma people, who are, in certain situations, ashamed of their heritage. I am not sure that anything that I have to say about anything can help anyone—but I certainly hope so. If I can help even one or two people—great!!! We should all be proud of who we are, where we come from and what we can make of ourselves.
In closing, I guess what I'm saying is just that. Be proud of your blood, your heritage. Be proud and be strong—you, your family and your future are worth it!!!
I hope this letter finds you both happy, healthy and strong.
All my best and much respect—Johnny Depp-- photos added by Zone editors