NINA SIMONE | Black Diva Power

Nina Simone Black Diva Power
By award winning playwright Neil Cole Performed by Ruth Rogers-Wright
September 18 – 28 Chapel off Chapel

Nina Simone was one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century; an icon of music who crossed the genres of jazz, blues and soul. She was the consummate musical storyteller and passionate civil rights activist.

Melbourne-based and Brixton-born-and-raised jazz diva, the acclaimed Ruth Rogers- Wright all but embodies Ms Simone in "Nina Simone Black Diva Power", by award-winning playwright Neil Cole, telling the story and exploring the music of Nina Simone from 1958 to 1965: the period during which she went from popular jazz, blues and folk singer to become "the voice of the civil rights movement" in the United States.

This compelling play focuses on the developing friendship with Lorraine Hansberry - playwright and black activist (played by Imat Akelo-Opio), who persuades Nina to become active in the civil rights movement. Although initially reluctant, Nina Simone ascended to greatness with her activity and songs of the movement she would perform, many of which she wrote.

This production is replete with popular songs like "My Baby Don't Care" and Nina Simone’s songs of the civil rights movement, including "Mississipi Goddam" and "Young Gifted And Black", a song based on Lorraine Hansberry's play of the same name.

Accompanied by Steven Grant on piano, Nina and Lorraine are brought to life on stage, as their story, interspersed with the music of Nina Simone, unfolds ... from their civil rights activities to Lorraine Hansberry’s untimely death.

‘..pure and authentic interpretation on Nina Simone’s music...’ FIONA SCOTT- NORMAN THE AGE (Review for Ruth Rogers-Wright’s “Fabulous Diva: The Music of Dr Nina Simone”)

Feedback/Comments