Triumphant and brilliant are just some of the words that have been used to describe The Color Purple, and the good reviews have only multiplied since its opening at theJoburg Theatre on 31 January.
The musical is directed by Janice Honeyman.
Based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple tells the story of Celie, played by Didintle Khunou, an African-American woman living in the southern United States in the 1930s. The musical highlights a number of issues faced by women living in rural Georgia during that time such as violence, race, love, sex and feminity.
Super talented, Didintle Khunou plays Celie. Khunou captures the audience from start to finish.
Oprah Winfrey said, “It makes me so very proud that the musical version of The Color Purple has finally arrived on stage in South Africa. Women played an integral role in the struggle for equal rights during apartheid and women continue the fight for equality today. I have no doubt that the abiding universality of the characters and the story of The Color Purple will resonate with audiences in South Africa in the same way it has resonated with audiences around the world.”
Lerato Mvelase (in red) plays Shug Avery and shows off her acting and singing skills.
The musical continues to capture SA audiences, and here’s what those who have seen it had to say on Twitter:
Thank you @joburgtheatre for a *PHENOMINAL* evening! #ColorPurpleSA was everything I imagined it would be and more. The cast sang their hearts out. The orchestra played like it was the last dance. The lighting dude did his thang. I had a blast! pic.twitter.com/JNQlwVrKw3
I attended the opening day of #ColorPurpleSA, and was astounded by the sheer talent, I witnessed some tears among the people who had come to watch the show: @NonnysZA
