The Women of The Color Purple Talk #OscarsSoWhite on TheaterTalk

“Theater Talk” welcomed the leading ladies of The Color Purple and director John Doyle on its latest episode.

Now if you’re not hip, “Theater Talk” offers an inside look into some of our favorite shows on The Great White Way. Denzel Washington, Taye Diggs, Anika Noni Rose, and many more have all been guests on the CUNY sponsored show.  So we were thrilled to see the stars of one of this seasons’ hottest shows in attendance.

When the production airs peep JHUD’s shirt. I couldn’t help but notice that she boldly states “Not Bossy, But The Boss” across her chest, as if to foreshadow the aura and power of her presence during the interview.

We see you, Jennifer!

Now let me be clear. There is no sign of attitude, but rather an air of confidence. She uses this confidence to advocate and weigh in on #OscarsSoWhite and calls for change in diversity in the arts.

The Grammy and Oscar winner gives example after example of the lack of inclusion in Hollywood, finally concluding,“We’re all here, we’re all in it and our art reflects that. Why isn’t it all acknowledged?”

Well said.

Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks were in agreement, nodding their heads in unison and providing commentary authoritatively. And as for hosts, Michael Ridel and Susan Haskins… they sat back yielding to the expressive black voices.

Broadway debut or not, Hudson is a boss– truly speaking as a woman who has found her voice on the stage and is using it as a platform for change. But let us not forget the power and support provided by Erivo and Brooks.

These three women remind me that we’re really lucky this season. Broadway is full of powerful Queens.

Tune into this episode on WLIW-21 Monday, February 29 at 5:30 PM. Episodes are also available on Youtube and HERE.

UPDATE: Watch the episode below