The Festival of Sydney has scored a sold-out, five-star performance – the world premiere of Ursula Yovich’s tribute to the high priestess of soul, Nina Simone.
Ursula, star of The Sapphires, Top End Wedding, Barbara and the Camp Dogs, channelled the spirit of Nina’s music and mixed in her own unmistakable spark, backed by an exceptional band (bass- Adam Ventoura, Guitar- Daniel March, Drums- Georgio Rojas and piano- Daniel Pliner). Fun fact: Ursula performed bare-footed. This seems to be the signature style of many Indigenous singers, including Emma Donovan, Casey Donovan and Deborah Cheetham Fraillon who also perform in this way..
Nina Simone (1933-2003) was a black American pianist, singer, songwriter and civil rights activist. She is famous for her resonating contralto voice. Her music styles included classical, folk, gospel, blues and jazz. Her piano playing style was strongly influenced by baroque and classical music. Pianist Daniel Pliner emphasised this in his short solos.
Ursula performed Nina’s take on Black is the Colour of My True Love’s Hair (originally an Irish folksong), Loves You Porgy (Porgy and Bess) as well as Nina’s own compositions including the iconic activist anthem, To Be Young, Gifted and Black (lyrics by poet Weldon Irvine).
The highlight of the performance was Strange Fruit, a song by Lewis Allan. The song protests the lynching of African Americans, with lyrics that compare the victims to fruit hanging on trees. It was first recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939. Nina’s 1965 recording of the song became the rallying call for the beginning of the civil rights movement. Ursula’s rendition of Strange Fruit was magnificent. This reviewer liked it more than either Bille’s or Nina’s. Ursula’s was soulful, powerful, sweeping. Many in the audience were teary eyed.
Ursula spoke to the audience with her heartfelt thought about the dangerous conditions of the world. She told us she is drawn to Nina’s work because “It’s the artist’s job to reflect the times”. After singing Strange Fruit she says, “We’re living that history. Parts of the world are still experiencing strange fruit. The social contract will break only if we let it. The world tells us what we are worth before we take our first breathe. The truth doesn’t protect you. Let’s hope the pendulum swings back to protect humanity.”
Her closing comment was, “I wish I could share all the love in my heart.”
ATTENTION Sydney Festival… give us a recording of Ursula singing Nina!!!
Production photography by Neil Bennett
Carol Dance reviewed the performance that took place at Wharf 1, Sydney Theatre Company on the 22nd January 2026
