With an impressive list of personal achievements across the theatrical, musical, and wider entertainment industries the cast of Aretha – A Love Letter to the Queen of Soul is bringing unmatched vocal power to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in this unique and culturally iconic production.
Aretha – A Love Letter to the Queen of Soul invites you to be immersed in the culture within the sound through a melting pot of storytelling and song, exploring the unrivalled impact of Aretha Franklin on the musical landscape, and bringing to the forefront her drive to push boundaries while exploring what it is to be a person of colour.
The startling dichotomy between public success and personal struggle is explored by this powerful group of talented performers, who all personally identify with aspects of the Queen of Souls own journey.
Says Jada Alberts, narrator/director of Aretha – A Love Letter to the Queen of Soul, “Aretha Franklin was arguably the most accomplished and sublime soul vocalist in the history of pop music. I am thrilled to direct this astonishing line up of Australian vocalists as they interpret some of the most iconic songs of the 20th century in their own unique way, paying respect to a woman who has influenced all of us.”
Alberts will deliver the storytelling narrative that weaves the colourful tapestry of production, drawing from a mix of Ms Franklin’s personal truths and that of her community during the expanse of her career. From her roots in gospel and how this informed both her spirituality and art, to her place as a modern icon impressing upon people the power of authenticity and unapologetic personal strength.
Ethereal modern muse, Montaigne (currently the lead image at the Archibald Prize in Sydney), speaks to their respect for the Queen of Soul who is an example of ‘what I want to be as a performer, which is someone that works really hard to be really good’, while highly celebrated, ARIA-nominated, award-winning Indigenous singer and songwriter Emma Donovan reflects that ‘(Aretha) inspired me to be unapologetic about anything that I write.’
Aretha – A Love Letter to the Queen of Soul is a true moment in time for the Australian theatrical season and one that will resonate with you long after the last high note has been hit.
