Alice Walker's The Color Purple, published in 1982, tells the story of Celie, a Black woman in the South from the 1920's through the 1940's. In the course of her story, Celie meets a series of other Black women who shape her life but Celie is the center of this community of women, the one who knows how to survive.

This unique and award winning novel is now the basis for the Alliance Theatre's newest musical. The novel is given a musical touch with a mixture of Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Swing, Rural Roots and African music combined with dance styles that range from the Charleston to the Lindy Hop. The Color Purple had its world premiere in Atlanta on September 9, and will eventually make the trip up to Broadway. To buy tickets or find out what else is going on at the Alliance Theatre visit their website.

Educators: The Color Purple

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