This production was the first professionally produced one woman show I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, which naturally invoked excitement and an avid interest as to what I was about to experience. What Apphia Campbell presented surpassed any expectations I may have had.
As the audience entered the studio we noticed immediately the intimacy of the space, with only three rows at most between performer and audience, with the front row seating at stage level directly behind the set pieces. With a studio thrust staging layout that placed audience on three sides of the performing space, as well as the absence of any arm rest serving as a divide between yourself and your neighbour it would have been easy to feel uneasy in an unconventional venue. However, within minutes of Campbell’s first appearance on stage you were completely at ease. As this raw and powerful piece progressed it became integral to the nature of this work that you could see and share the human experience of every audience member, who were on this profoundly personal journey together.
Apphia Campbell who was also the writer of the script, gave a powerful and real performance in this story inspired by the life of Nina Simone. Her soulful voice carried incredible range, tone, and expression which was used effectively in bursts of music throughout the 70 minute play, and of course in her Soul Sessions performance which is performed after an interval at selected performances. How beautiful to hear Campbell’s performances of Nina Simone’s music after the story we’d just witnessed, wherein the character portrayed was not only one of reminiscence and impression, but was deeply personal and timeless.
The technical input of this show hit the spot just right, and was very naturalistic overall, giving more dramatic lighting or sound cues when a little touch of drama was needed to take us to the place of some of the harder hitting scenes. Excerpts of radio programmes including Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech added context and depth to the story of Mena Bordeaux when needed.
Campbell’s physicality, expression, and thoroughly natural delivery of every line was spot on. Her comic timing added relief between the intensity of emotional trauma, wonder, and the nostalgia which is manifest throughout the play. She didn’t need anyone else on stage with her to aid with delighting and carrying a full house on a wonderful night at the theatre. A night which not only entertained, but awakened awareness, remembrance, and respect of a time not so long ago and an artist who left her mark.
Overall a captivating highly talented performance written and performed by Apphia Campbell, who took the audience from laughing to crying, joy to discomfort, and finally solace and clarity. The pacing was wonderful, and there wasn’t a chance to lose interest in this important and enjoyable piece of new theatre. Campbell has surely made her mark too.
Reviewer – Emily Cook
on - 7/2/19
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