ED2019 4/5 Reviews ED2019 Theatre Reviews

Black Is the Color Of My Voice (Apphia Campbell presented by James Seabright and Play The Spotlight)

By | Published on Saturday 24 August 2019

In this eye-opening, frank and deeply moving account of the life of Nina Simone, Apphia Campbell’s stunning performance feels wholly authentic. We move from Simone’s early love and discovery of music, to her ambition of becoming the first black concert pianist. Much of the writing is interspersed with Simone’s music; Campbell’s renditions could have strayed into tribute act territory, instead her singing beautifully captured the raw spirit of Simone’s defiance and resilience. Most striking were the explorations of her activism and role in the civil rights movement, but in an hour-long piece these felt underdeveloped. Whether you’re a fan of Simone’s music or not, this ode to her life not only makes for a captivating performance, but is an inspiring story of a remarkable woman.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 26 Aug.
tw Rating 4/5 | [Amy Bonar]

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