Unity Theatre

Josette Bushell-Mingo’s powerful connection to legendary artist and activist Nina Simone, performed with a live band.

A searing and soulful theatre piece inspired by the life and music of Nina Simone. Taking in the singer’s political acts as part of the Civil Rights Movement in 1960s America as well as the struggles in her personal life, Josette Bushell-Mingo finds a parallel with the persisting inequality in today’s society, and questions how far we’ve really come.

Versions of some of Nina Simone’s best-loved songs combine with a clear provocation in this production directed by Dritëro Kasapi, with dramaturgy by Christina Anderson. Design and costume is by Rosa Maggiora, musical direction by Shapor Bastansiar, light by Matt Haskins, video by Dritëro Kasapi.

Originally performed at the Unity Theatre, Liverpool in 2016, Nina – a story about me and Nina Simone toured Sweden in 2017 before its London premiere at the Young Vic in July. Now the production makes its Scottish premiere at the Traverse Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Festival.