Written and performed by Apphia Campbell
Black Is The Color Of My Voice, written and performed by founding troupe member, Apphia Campbell, is an intimate cabaret-type musical revue loosely inspired by the story of Nina Simone.
The play’s story follows the life of the fictional Mena Bordeaux, a successful jazz singer seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father. During a three-day period of isolation without cigarettes, alcohol, or access to the outside world, Mena reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.
Black Is The Color Of My Voice was first performed at Play the Spotlight Theatre in Shanghai where Apphia is one of their most in-demand singers and dramatic actresses. There have been three successful runs in Shanghai and one last summer in New York. In addition, Play the Spotlight Theatre is currently working to take Black Is the Color of My Voice to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival after its summer run in Sarasota.
Critics say:
"Black is the Color of My Voice shines, bringing a little bit of American soul to Shanghai theatre." -TimeOut Shanghai
"Want to see Nina Simone depicted the way you think she should be? Go to China." -IndieWire
"Campbell transfixed, she charmed, she entertained and ultimately moved a packed theater with her touching portrayal of a jazz musician reeling and reminiscing in the aftermath of her father's death." -SmartShanghai.com
"Memories of her life's most decisive moments and choices are evoked, flashbacks solely carried by Apphia's expressional performance and powerful singing voice, which do justice to her source of inspiration." -Shanghaiist
Media and Reviews
Black Is The Color Of My Voice "TRAILER"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mql_Zaxd9oU