New Production Explores Nina Simone's Music & Activism

WDCB’s Gary Zidek visited Northlight Theatre in Skokie to talk to the cast and creative team behind NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek goes behind-the-scenes of Northlight Theatre's new production, NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN.

“The bottom line is openness, to be as open and as free and as diverse in their thinking as this women’s music was. You couldn’t pinpoint it, but there was truth in every note, every thing that she sang.” - director Kenneth Roberson talking about what he hopes audiences take away from NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN.

A scene from Northlight Theatre’s NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN. Photo credit Michael Brosilow

Nina Simone’s journey from artist to activist is explored in Skokie-based Northlight Theatre’s production of NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN. The fictional play, which incorporates some of Simone’s most influential songs, takes place on September 16 1963, the day after the real life bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham Alabama.

A scene from Northlight Theatre’s NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN. Photo credit Michael Brosilow

The Chicago-area premiere of NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN is running at Northlight Theatre through March 2. Go to northlight.org for more information.

Check out this Youtube video of Nina Simone singing Mississippi Goddam.

"Mississippi Goddam" by Nina Simone Recording session: Live in Antibes, July 24-25, 1965. The sixth Antibes Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival took place from July 24 to July 29. Nina had the closing spot on the first two days.