Black Is The Color Of My Voice is inspired by the life of Nina Simone and features many of her most iconic songs performed live.
Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She 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.
The show has played nationally and internationally to standing ovations from Shanghai and New York to Edinburgh and the West End of London. It recently toured Australia and won the Best Theatre Award at Adelaide Fringe 2024.
Starring in the show is Nicholle Cherrie and we caught with her to learn more about the show.
What can you tell me about Black is the Color of My Voice and your role?
Black is the Color of My Voice is a one-woman show inspired by the life of Nina Simone. Her life’s story is explored through a complex and layered father-daughter connection.
What first attracted you to the project?
I saw this show in 2021 when Apphia performed at Wilton’s Music Hall in London. It was amazing. I felt so inspired and moved. It was great to see a Black woman taking up so much space. At the time, I remember thinking “Wow. I’m so glad this exists". When the audition came through, I thought it might be too big of a challenge to pursue, but there were too many things that resonated with me in the storytelling for me to ignore. I felt the fear — and did it anyway.
What is it like getting to perform the works of Nina Simone?
Incredible. I know I could never be Nina, besides that’s not what we’re doing here. Being able to play this character, sing her songs and channel her energy has given me so much confidence; it encourages me to embrace my individuality as a performer.
Did you have to do much research in developing your own performance for the show?
For every show I do, background research is important and helpful. I took elements of online articles and interviews about Nina Simone and combined them with the information I had in the script. And once I had enough to get going, I spoke through the words and explored the characters physicality. When I’m trying to work out the persona, it helps to notice the differences between myself and the character I’m portraying.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a performance?
I often get quite nervous before shows, so I try to set myself up to be as prepared and as calm as possible. At some point in the day, I will have already done a speed run of all the lines. Just before the show, I start with a vocal warm up and light stretch. Then I play music that has nothing to do with the show to relax (usually lovers rock) and then I say some affirmations to myself just before stepping onstage.
If you could ask Nina Simone a question about her life, what would you ask her?
I would thank her for sharing her art with us. And I would ask her whether she would balance her work and life differently had she had the chance to do it all again. I’d ask her how often she asked herself what it was that she wanted and needed and whether that was important to her.
When did you know that you wanted to perform and how did you pursue that?
My first love was singing. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. Even when I wasn’t the best at it, I just loved it. I knew quite early on that I didn’t want to be a pop star and performing in the theatre didn’t really register to me as an actual job people did until I was a teenager. Once I got into college I heard there were specific schools that you could go to and train to be a performer. You could sing, act and dance and that was that for me. I had to do it. I have been tunnel-visioned ever since.
What are the biggest things you've learnt in your career so far?
Self-belief is powerful and should be celebrated and encouraged.
The world is your oyster if you dare to try.
It’s important to continue to grow as an actor but also as a human outside of the work you do.
What keeps you inspired?
Black women achieving. My family and friends. New writing. And the fresh start that comes with a brand-new day.
What do you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I never really want to tell people how to feel. I just hope that people come to the show open to share their time and walk away reflecting on what resonated with them — and talk about whatever that is with others.
Where can audiences see the show?
You can visit the official BITCOMV site at https://bitcomv.com really hope to see you there!
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