A tale of the songs that lead us into the future and the ones that call us home; this show is a masterpiece in storytelling and soul. Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Black is the Colour of My Voice guides us through the heady days of young ambition, expectation and the incredible contribution Simone made to the civil rights movement.
this show is a masterpiece in storytelling and soul
Apphia Campbell is nothing short of a triumph. Her performance moved from delicate to powerful with pace and poise. Every glance, each move and sigh was electric. A slick and sombre performance laced with joy and promise; Campbell flows through this piece of theatre with undeniable grace. Whilst Campbell’s acting was nothing short of incredible, her voice was even better. The depth, richness and tone will reduce you to tears, as she pours her soul into Simone’s classic songbook. From the jubilant gospel Go Tell It on the Mountain to the sultry lament of I Love You, Porgy, this show is a love letter to the musical range of Nina Simone and Apphia Campbell in tandem.
The small space tells a larger story with impeccable staging from co-directors, Arran Hawkins and Nate Jacobs. With playful use of light and props, this show’s production shines out alongside Campbell’s powerhouse performance. A suit jacket, her mother’s hat, the last letters from a lover; each item brings forth a memory and punctuates each chapter of her life, as the story unfolds. From every angle, this show is a joy to watch. As each prop is pulled from the battered trunk, we’re reminded once more of the power of the past and the memories within.
Cancel your plans and get a ticket while you can. This is an unmissable story of an icon in her journey from prodigy and prodigal to the pre-eminent queen of jazz.
