In Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Ruva Ngwenya embodies a celebration of pain transformed

At Melbourne's Princess Theatre, an exhilarating energy erupts the moment the curtain rises, revealing Ruva Ngwenya center stage as Tina Turner. In "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical," every note she sings embodies not only the legendary singer's powerful voice but also her indomitable spirit. This captivating performance sets the stage for an unforgettable theatrical experience.

As the six-month Melbourne season nears its end, I had the privilege of meeting the 31-year-old star before a show. In Ngwenya's dressing room, the mirror is adorned with encouraging words, such as Neale Donald Walsch's quote "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" and Richard Branson's "If your dreams don't scare you, they are too small," alongside photos of Turner herself. She confided in me that working on this musical is incredibly demanding. The dedication required is evident in her meticulous preparation and commitment to the role.

Since the musical premiered in Australia two years ago, she has been performing this three-hour "marathon" five times a week. "This show is incredibly tough," Ngwenya says. "Performing in this show is one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life, but it's also the most rewarding, and I'm proud to prove that I can embrace challenges like Tina did – turning pain into purpose." Her resilience mirrors that of the iconic performer she portrays.

On the night I attended, the audience included a group of elegantly dressed members of the African diaspora, there for a special event hosted by [Safe Space Media](https://www.safespacemedia.au/) in collaboration with Pola Practice, working closely with Ngwenya, TEG Dainty, the musical company and cast, and the Princess Theatre. Their aim was to break down barriers to experiencing theatre. Charmaine Hunzwi, one of the organizers, said that inviting specific community members into the theatre was about "changing that narrative that theatre is only for certain people" and doing so "in a spectacular way." This initiative promotes inclusivity and broadens the audience base for theatrical performances.

Paulina Masika of [Nguvu Moja](https://www.instagram.com/nguvu_moja_theatre/) Theatre, who was also involved in organizing the event, said that cultural representation is very important in theatre – not only so that Black African diaspora audience members can see themselves on stage, but also so that the actors "can look back and see that the community is supporting them." The cast of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" includes 52 members, including understudies, and is diverse, comprising people of different ages, body types, and cultural backgrounds. Ngwenya was delighted to see so many Black and brown audience members that night. This diversity enriches the theatrical experience and fosters a sense of belonging.

"This is a Black story; this is their story," Ngwenya said. "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" is about survival and community, and it provides a powerful reminder to audiences of Turner's strength and inspiration in overcoming adversity. It does not shy away from the poverty, abuse, and racism she experienced. Ngwenya is proud to help audiences understand how Turner used her pain and overcame prejudice, ultimately becoming a global superstar. For Ngwenya, the most important lesson for the audience to take away is clear: "Don't let your challenges define your journey." This message of resilience resonates deeply with audiences of all backgrounds.

Turner was one of the world's greatest rock stars, and her voice was anything but gentle. To prepare for her role, Ngwenya worked extensively with a vocal coach to build the muscle strength and stamina required for each song. She enjoys the challenge of singing so many hits every night. "There's no moment where you're not going full out, so most of the songs require everything from me," she says. This includes hits like "Simply the Best," "What's Love Got to Do with It," "River Deep — Mountain High," and "Proud Mary." Her dedication to vocal excellence ensures a captivating and authentic portrayal of Tina Turner's iconic sound.

As the curtains rise, we hail "Tina, Tina, Tina" to welcome the powerful Buddhist mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo" that opens the night, a chant that was instrumental in transforming Turner's life. After being introduced to Buddhism in the 1970s, she became a Buddhist devotee for fifty years. When Black people say "come to church," as Tina Turner's father (played by Augie Tchantcho) says early in the show, they mean it – and the full house was testament to an appropriate opening. The inclusion of this spiritual element adds depth and authenticity to the portrayal of Tina Turner's life journey.

From the first song, a mesmerizing energy unfolds as the entire cast rushes onto the stage. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, responding along with other Black and brown audience members who resonated with unspoken truths woven throughout the performance – for example, about generational trauma and racism. As we reached the end of the first act, the emotional rollercoaster intensified with "I Don't Want To Fight No More," and the audience went out to enjoy a well-deserved intermission. The shared experience of the audience amplifies the emotional impact of the performance.

In the second act, we learn more aspects of Turner's life: a working single mother, a daughter, a sister, a lover, and a savvy businesswoman who never considered giving up on her dreams. We hear her say to her manager, Roger Davies, "You don't know me, you don't know my secrets, so please don't sit here and try to tell me my dreams." Then, immersed in love, Turner is elevated to her iconic moment after being kissed by Erwin Bach – a German music executive and Turner's partner, whom she was married to for 38 years until [Turner's death in 2023](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-25/singer-tina-turner-has-died-aged-83/102389716). This act delves into the complexities of Turner's personal and professional life.

In that red leather dress and iconic Turner wig, Ngwenya belts out "simply the best!" and invites the audience to stand up. Without hesitation, everyone responds, and the theatre resonates as we belt out the lyrics along with the superb band. As we left the theatre, surrounded by fans of both Tina and Ngwenya, I was still riding high on the exhilaration of the finale. Ngwenya warned me to expect a spectacular marathon, and she did not mislead me. The enduring impact of Tina Turner's music and Ngwenya's performance leaves a lasting impression on the audience.