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Nina Simone: Four Women
February 27 March 31
Nina Simone: Four Women
February 27 March 31
February 27-March 31, 2019
By Christina Ham Directed by Hayley Finn Leonard C. Haas Stage
My skin is black, My arms are long, My hair is woolly, My back is strong...

Framed by Nina Simone's song "Four Women", this music-filled contemplation on colorism and Black womanhood features popular hits and iconic Civil Rights anthems from the "High Priestess of Soul". Christina Ham's new play imagines a chance encounter between the legendary songstress and a trio of women at the site of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, the event that shifted Simone's career from artist to activist.

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Recommended for ages 12+ due to references to race-motivated and sexual violence, racial slurs, and mild adult language.
Approximate run time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is no intermission.

 

Some of the music you'll hear in this production:

 

Production Sponsor:

 

Peco

 

Cast and Creative Team
Sarah
Sephronia
Pianist
Nina Simone
Playwright
Director
Music Director
Scenic Designer
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Sound Designer
Choreographer
Stage Manager
Dramaturg
Assistant Dramaturg
Line Producer
Discover More
Meet the Cast
The knockout ensemble of performers bringing Nina Simone's music and spirit to our stage.
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Interview: Christina Ham
The playwright discusses Simone's inspiration and her own. "This play shines a light on the Black women who were... the backbone of the movement."
Read More
A Window into Birmingham
How "The Magic City," mining, and Martin Luther King put 16th Street Baptist Church at the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement.
Read More
Enhance Your Experience
AfterWORDS

Facilitated post-performance conversations with the cast after Thursday evening performances, excluding previews.

March 7, 14, 28

Scoop on Wednesdays

Snacks and lively pre-performance discussions for a behind-the-scenes look into the play with Resident Dramaturg Gina Pisasale and Tsebiyah Mishael Derry, who plays Sweet Thing in the production. Add Scoop to your shopping cart for only $5 when purchasing Nina Simone tickets, or purchase separately here.

March 20 & 27

The Farmhouse Bistro

Dinner & A Show

Packages are available for prix fixe dinners prior to select Wednesday—Sunday performances, beginning at $82 for non-peak performances - up to 15% off the single ticket price.

Brunch Packages

Includes brunch at The Bistro paired with tickets to weekend matinees. Call the Box Office at 610.644.3500 to order.

Interfaith Panel: At the Intersection of Faith and Activism

Join us in the upper Haas lobby before the evening performance on 3/30 for a panel discussion among faith leaders and stakeholders at the intersection of faith and activism, inspired by themes embedded in Nina Simone: Four Women. Tickets are free, but space is limitedRSVP here.

Saturday, March 30 at 6:30pm

Open Caption

An LED screen near the stage displays dialogue in real-time, simultaneous with live speech and action. No other aspect of the performance is altered.

March 26 at 7:30pm
March 27 at 2pm & 7:30pm
March 28 at 7:30pm
March 29 at 7:30pm
March 30 at 2pm & 8pm
March 31 at 2pm

Relaxed Performance

A relaxed performance is a live theatre experience that invites and encourages (but is not limited to) individuals with Autism, ADD, ADHD, Dementia, and sensory sensitivities. Learn more about relaxed performances here.

We welcome all ages to relaxed performances, but this play includes challenging and mature content. Read the content advisory.

Pre-performance materials:
Nina Simone Performance Guide
Nina Simone Character Guide
Nina Simone Historical Background

March 31 at 2pm

What's the Buzz?
"The depth of these songs and the passion with which they are sung make this play well worth the trip to Malvern."
Delco Culture Vultures
  • "Nina Simone: Four Women deserves credit for its acting and musical splendor, which lived up to high expectations."
    The Philadelphia Inquirer


  • "Nina Simone: Four Women is fast emerging as one of the most popular plays on the US regional-theater landscape."

    "'I hope this play provides some healing for those who see it,' says Christina Ham."


  • Learn more about the defining moments that shaped Nina Simone and her legendary talent.


  • "The cast of five women give passionate renditions of Nina Simone's evocative songs."

    "Director Finn and playwright Ham have a friendship that spans almost a decade. It is evident in the caring way Ms. Finn directs this production."

    "D'Vaughn Agu has created a wonderfully detailed playing space... Jeannine Osayande has created choreography that is as poetic as the songs it accompanies."