Color Purple

 

Selected Resources for Color Purple

From the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark Broadway event. THE COLOR PURPLE is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.

Alice Walker's The Color Purple, published in 1982, tells the story of Celie, a Black woman in the South. Celie writes letters to God in which she tells about her life--her roles as daughter, wife, sister, and mother. In the course of her story, Celie meets a series of other Black women who shape her life: Nettie, Celie's sister, who becomes a missionary teacher in Africa; Shug Avery, the Blues singer her husband is in love with, and who becomes Celie's salvation; Sofia, the strong-willed daughter-in-law whose strength and courage inspire Celie; and Squeak, who goes through awakenings of her own. Throughout the story, though, Celie is the center of this community of women, the one who knows how to survive.

Video clip from the Movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsoHqApn_4E

Website with extensive discussion questions and further resources for studying The Color Purple.   http://www.library.csi.cuny.edu/dept/history/lavender/purple.html 

YouTube video of The Color Purple - Tony performance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxpuz9A1OvE  Accessed Dec 13, 2011. The cast of the broadway musical The Color Purple performing at the 2006 Tony Awards. (with introduction by Oprah).