5. The Nightclub
The Harlem nightclub that Irene, Clare, and Irene’s husband, Brian (played by André Holland) go to is filmed inside a church in Bushwick. The gathering hall of the Bushwick United Methodist Church, with its unique wraparound mezzanine, was used for the scene. The church uses the space for social gatherings and other events.
Nora tells us, “that balcony up on top was just incredible. It had a big huge stage and we actually did an incredible big band style drapery backdrop that you don’t really see very much. But it’s there. All that you were meant to feel is the wood floor and the bodies. It’s not meant to be clear geographically what is going on exactly. A reference for that set was the film Cold War which is done in black and white as well.” The speakeasy scene in Passing is filmed in the basement of the United Methodist Church.
