It has been announced that The Color Purple will be re-imagined into a brand-new virtual audio production, featuring acting talent from across the US, UK and South Africa.

The Color Purple Audio Experience: A Benefit for Black Womxn immerses audiences in sound, allowing them to visualise this age-old story in their own way. Produced by OurSomewhere Digital Productions co-founders, West End actress Malinda Parris and Broadway actor Joey Stone, TCPAX's mission is to do more than entertain. Proceeds from the production will be directly donated to several charities that benefit Black womxn after its premiere on 26 November 2021.

The Color Purple Audio Experience tells the harrowing - but ultimately triumphant - story of a young girl named Celie who gradually gains self-respect as she strives to educate herself and find love, despite an abusive spouse and a world that punishes her for being born Black and female. Though Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning book is originally set in the 1900's, OurSomewhere is using its core themes to explore modern-day conversations around race and gender-based violence.

OurSomewhere co-founder Malinda Parris said: “My first interaction with the story of The Color Purple was through the medium of film. Whoopi’s portrayal of Celie, a little girl that looked like me, impacted me deeply. The fact that a story can be told through so many different artistic mediums is a testament to the source material and the truth of what Alice Walker wrote, a story not only for then but for now. Through this sonic production, we’re continuing this legacy of reincarnation, while raising funds for charities that work with Black womxn and girls like Celie — survivors.”

Co-founder Joey Stone added: “We were frustrated as Black actors who continue to find ourselves typecast because of our bodies or our skin tone. Even in all Black shows, most of which are written by white writers, there are distinctions of body shape and skin tone that limit the already few roles Black actors are offered.”

The production includes cast members from the US, UK, and South Africa. With its diverse cast and unique audio nature, it allows listeners to use their own imagination as they experience each character.

The Color Purple Audio Experience launches on 26 November until 6 December 2021, with tickets available here.