The Color Purple – Opus One

Photo: Eric Goosens

‘The Color Purple’ tells the timeless life story of three black women in southern America at the beginning of the 20th century, a time when slavery was abolished but the effects were still strongly felt. Main character Celie leads a life that seems dominated by poverty, abuse and violence. But Celie frees herself by finding her self-worth and standing up for her personal happiness. She is helped by her sister-in-law Sofia and by Shug Avery, a touring singer.

Benno Barends of the Theatermachine created the lighting design for the musical The Color Purple in a temporary home-built theater in an old factory on the NDSM in Amsterdam.

Performances have been played at the NDSM Theater (that “primordial” version featured roles for Ana Milva Gomes, Joanne Telesford and Kenneth Herdigein). The tour of Dutch theaters i.c.w. the Theater Alliance started in October 2018 and ended in January 2019. On tour starring Naomi van der Linden. Also featuring, among others, Aisa Winter, Edwin Jonker/Perry Dossett, Jeannine la Rose, Carlos de Vries.

Nominations

The show received 4 Musical Award Nominations: for Naomi van der Linde (female lead), Jeannine la Rose (female supporting role), Paul Maassen (musical direction) and Koen van Dijk (direction). Jeannine la Rose received the Musical Award.

Light whippings

At the moments when the main character goes through another traumatic experience, Benno Barends shows sars of light on the walls of the set. In doing so, he accentuates the pain caused by the slavery past.

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Cast & Creatives