Taraji P. Henson Says ‘The Color Purple’ Artisans Helped Her Ooze Empowerment as Shug Avery: ‘The Sexiest I’ve Ever Felt in Any Role’
variety.comJazz Tangcay Artisans Editor Director Blitz Bazawule had a clear vision of what he wanted Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson) to represent in “The Color Purple.” She was a bold, sexy, beautiful and extraordinary woman, but she was also loving and nurturing to Celie (Fantasia Barrino) and Sophia (Danielle Brooks). “Those were her sisters and there was a bond there,” Tym Wallace, the film’s makeup and hair department artist explains.
In bringing his version of Alice Walker’s classic novel to the big screen, Bazawule put together a series of storyboard sketches he had laid out — a grand musical production with vivid color, majestic cinematography and show-stopping musical numbers.
It wouldn’t just help him pitch the idea to producers Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey that he was the right man to take on this giant task, it would help his artisans in bringing Shug to life and have her embody sexiness and ooze empowerment.Bazawule began by creating the mythos of Shug.
Colman Domingo’s Mister keeps a signed photo of her by his bedside table. Bazawule points out, “It really begins with lore. I love when she’s whispered about: Who is she?
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