ED FRINGE 2023 REVIEW | Black Is The Color Of My Voice
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewer - Sarah
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
In ‘Black Is The Color Of My Voice’, actress Apphia Campbell is a captivating one-women force as Mena Bordeaux, a fictional character whose story closely mirrors that of the legendary Nina Simone, “The High Priestess of Soul” and influential Civil Rights activist.
Written and performed by Campbell, every movement and pause, expression and gesture, and snippet of song and speech, is masterfully executed, adding power to the gripping narrative of joy and pain.
The stage set is quite minimal, consisting solely of a bed, chair, table and suitcase of mementoes, but effective in that it allows Campbell to navigate her complex character’s trajectory with flexibility and fluid transitions.
Also, there are moments in the show, specifically the singing sequences, where the world seemingly fades away, and it is just you and the performer sharing the room; it is a bewitching feeling, and this is largely due to the clever lighting design which provides depth and atmosphere.
Through both her strong storytelling and singing abilities, Campbell convincingly charts out Bordeaux’s journey, revealing snapshots of her prodigious childhood, familial relationships, harmful romances and significant involvement in the Civil Rights movement.
Although infused with themes of despair, violence and racial injustice, ‘Black Is The Color Of My Voice’ is also very hope-driven; Campbell appropriately embodies her character with the brilliance, strength and resilience Nina Simone has come to symbolize, and we are lucky to be in her presence!
