Unpacking the power and pain in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

When it comes to women who’ve shaped modern pop culture, few names wield more power than Tina Turner. A force of nature, a performer unrivaled, and a musical icon, Turner crafted a persona so unique, it continues to inspire artists to this day. But beyond the powerhouse vocals, glittery dresses, and trademark wigs, Turner was a warrior and a survivor, and TINA: The Tina Turner Musical makes sure to honor her legacy with honesty and grace.

Silly rabbit, sequins are for divas

Born Anna Mae Bullock, Turner began her musical career in the 50s as part of Ike Turner’s band Kings of Rhythm. She would become a household name across America as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner through the 60s and 70s, before eventually making her mark as a solo singer and dominating as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Her seemingly meteoric rise to global stardom was dazzling enough, but the gorgeous outfits and Grammy-winning vocals further cemented her place in music history. But all that glitters is not gold, sadly, and Turner’s life had its share of heartbreak and struggles.

Behind the spotlight

Tackling the story of Tina Turner is no easy feat. On the one hand, it requires finding a leading actress with enough charisma and vocal chops to pull it off. Thankfully, this musical struck gold with Australian-Zimbabwean performer Ruva Ngwenya who not only looks the part but sounds it.

Next, comes the scriptwriting (handled by Tony Award nominee and Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins) that would need to be able to delve into how Bullock became Tina Turner without shying away from one very difficult aspect of that journey: her abusive marriage to Ike Turner. The duo’s chemistry and the brilliant ways they played off each other on stage and in their music elevated their work, yet, behind the magic was a tragic journey of violence, suffocating control, and the fight of one woman to find her own voice and defy all odds.

The art of mending a broken vase

The Japanese lacquer art of kintsugi employs a method that fills in areas of breakage with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Contrary to popular belief, this wasn’t just an attempt to beautify something broken - it was a way to distinctly show the artisans’ skill and their loyalty to their lord and their craft.

Turner’s outfits are, to put it mildly, legendary. The sequined bodysuit is synonymous with her image and often seems like a symbol of her power, status, and legacy. But her story is as much one of glamor as it is of resilience, dedication, and complexity. Like a broken vase mended with gold, Turner’s bold statement pieces stood out like armor that she wore proudly when she made her comeback in the 80s.

Proud Mary, keep on burning

Beyond outfits and narrative choices, TINA also cleverly uses Turner’s music as a mirror to her soul, chronicling her journey wonderfully through some of her greatest musical triumphs.

You hear a distinct defiance in the show’s rendition of Proud Mary, a cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song that Ike and Tina performed frequently, and you hear shades of heartbreak in songs like What’s Love Got to Do With It.

But, most importantly, you hear the sheer resilience and jubilation in Simply the Best, a crowning jewel in both the show and in Turner’s life. After all, she truly was, and will always remain, the best.

Catch the last show of TINA: The Tina Turner Musical at one of Brisbane’s most stunning venues, the Lyric Theatre, before the show takes its final bow in the city and continues its tour of Australia.