Jessica Harris is moved by Birmingham Rep’s adaptation of the life of Nina Simone.
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Florence Odumosu’s performance in this one-woman show is a tour de force. A simple set and a suitcase with a few props in it are all that she has to hand as she portrays the life story of the legendary Simone. Odumosu needs nothing more. Her rich and resonant voice and her magnetic physicality do the rest. Both are supported by her great sense of timing.
Although the only actor on stage, Odumosu creates a sense of presence of Simone’s father and mother, along with other characters in her life. Some of this is done through direct recount of Simone’s experiences from childhood to maturity. Some is done by stepping into the shoes of her mother, portraying the way that she used to speak to her. And some is done through conversations she may have had with the men in her life.
Central to these is her dead father, as she tries to lessen the guilt she feels for the unresolved fight they had before he died. But others include the man she falls in love with and, in contrast, the man who becomes her violent and abusive husband.
These characterisations give depth to the piece, presenting the influence of family, church and education (or lack of it when, as a black woman, she was denied access to an institute for classical pianists) on Simone. They also show the wide range of influences, from gospel to Bach to Bessy Smith, on her musical development. And they give full rein to Odumosu to show her considerable emotional range on stage.
The show features live performance by Odumosu of many of Simone’s most iconic songs, tracking both her musical development and the growth of her political activism. As a young singer, she became aware of the power of her voice through early love songs such as I loves You, Porgy and I Put a Spell on You. But songs which speak of protest and of black pride are equally prominent in this production.
Mississippi Goddam was both written and sung by Simone, in protest against the violent response to the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. To be Young, Gifted and Black was a call for the worth of young black people to be recognised.
The story of Nina Simone is a powerful one. Hugely influential both musically and politically, her personal life was not without its troubles. It takes an ending like the one Odumosu gives to the character to come away feeling uplifted.
Black is the Colour of My Voice was written & directed by Apphia Campbell.
It is on at the Rep until 16th October. It has an age guidance of 12+. For further information cisit birmingham-rep.co.uk
Pics – Steve Ullathorne
