Returning to the role of Celie in "The Color Purple" was not just a job for Fantasia Barrino-Taylor; it was a risk, a therapeutic journey, and a dedication to a character she deeply respects. Known for her nine-month run on Broadway in 2007 and select dates of the show's national tour in 2010, Barrino-Taylor stepped back into Celie's shoes for the musical film adaptation.
Celie's character is intense, and portraying her is no light task. Barrino-Taylor recognized the emotional weight of the role, understanding that delving into Celie's world meant carrying the story with her beyond the filming. However, driven by her faith, she chose to put her trust in Celie once again.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar before the resumption of the award season, Barrino-Taylor shared how Celie became a form of therapy for her. Pausing her trauma therapy to fully immerse herself in the role, she found solace in Celie's character. “On Broadway, I hated playing her all the time. Now, I have so much respect for her. She’s elegant, she’s classy, she’s smart and bold and strong. And she’s so forgiving. I think that we’re missing a lot of that in the world today,” she reflected.
"The Color Purple," originally a novel by Alice Walker, is a seminal Black story set in the early 1900s American South. It follows Celie's journey, emphasizing sisterhood and community during her trials. The recent musical film adaptation, featuring Barrino-Taylor alongside Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Colman Domingo, has garnered significant attention, earning the second-biggest Christmas box-office opening in history.
Barrino-Taylor believes in the importance of introducing this powerful narrative to a new generation. She remarked, “There’s a lot of young girls that probably have not seen the first Color Purple and probably didn’t get to experience it on Broadway either. They need to know that they are beautiful. They need to know that no matter what they have been through, you can still come out good as gold. That’s what this story ultimately represents.”
Describing the filming process as "bloodwork," Barrino-Taylor acknowledged the emotional weight of the story, especially considering they shot on land with a painful history. The echoes of the past, with slave houses still standing, added a profound layer to the filming experience. Despite the challenges, Barrino-Taylor emphasized the importance of pushing through, acknowledging that it was not an easy journey.
Sharing parallels between her own story and Celie's, Barrino-Taylor has faced personal and professional battles throughout her career. Referring to her challenges as necessary hurdles that led her to this moment, she embraced the role of Celie as a form of therapy, even refusing a stunt double for the film's more intense scenes.
Discussing the queer aspect of "The Color Purple," Barrino-Taylor emphasized the focus on how Celie and Shug save each other rather than categorizing their relationship. She sees the film as a significant portrayal of Black stories and womanhood, underscoring the strength to overcome trauma.
Reflecting on her past, Barrino-Taylor recognizes the lessons in her early mistakes, viewing them as hidden blessings that shaped her. Now approaching 40, she appreciates her journey, finding personal peace and laughing at the challenges she faced.
Looking ahead, Barrino-Taylor is focused on various endeavors, including making a gospel album dedicated to her grandmother, releasing her own wine varietal as a licensed sommelier, and embracing new opportunities without fixating on EGOT aspirations. Her journey is one of growth, resilience, and finding joy in the present.
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