A celebration of Nina Simone’s influence from the Pillsbury House Theatre cast of Nina Simone: Four Women.
Amid the tumultuous Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s, Nina Simone’s songs captured America’s anguish and galvanized activists working to alter the course of history.
Set in the aftermath of the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Nina Simone: Four Women imagines a conversation between Simone and three Black women whose personal stories help inspire her cathartic anthem, “Mississippi Goddam.” Here, through live music, movement, and charged conversation, witness the birth of a song that gave voice to a movement.
Thomasina Petrus is an acclaimed and sought-after stage performer. There, she has portrayed lead characters on Penumbra, Park Square, Mixed Blood, Illusion, Guthrie, Capri and Old Arizona Theatre stages. Additionally, she has performed with “Cornbread” Harris, Jevetta Steele, Stokley, Prince, Lou Bellamy, Lewis Whitlock, and Marion McClinton.
Aimee K. Bryant has built a lengthy resume performing on stages throughout the Twin Cities. Also, Aimee was named City Pages 2015 Actress of the Year and was a McKnight Theatre Artist Fellow for 2015-2016. She has appeared onstage at Penumbra, The Guthrie, MN State Fair and many others.
Kashimana is a mother, musician, vocalist, composer, producer and teaching artist with a rich soulful blues voice. The name Kashimana means “that’s their heart”. Here, you can hear Kashimana’s heart beating in the compelling sound of their music. Further, she explores soul, R&B, folk, Afro-funk and more.
Erin Willis is an actor, musician, and teacher who performs across the country. Since arriving in Minneapolis, she has taught at The Guthrie and Children’s Theatre Co. Further, Erin is so excited to be a part of the vibrant Twin Cities arts community.
Recommended for fans of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington.
