When Chicago native Felicia Fields was cast as the Ghost of Christmas Present in the musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” in 1996, she made history at the Goodman Theatre as the first African American female to portray the role.
“Being a female, you have to come with the thunder,” Fields said.
Fields built a career acting on stage and screen. She is best known for her role originating the character Sofia in the original Broadway cast of “The Color Purple,” earning a Tony Award nomination in 2006. Oprah Winfrey played Sofia in the film version of the Alice Walker novel. Columbia’s School of Theatre and Dance will present the musical version in November.
The School of Theatre and Dance invited Fields to have a conversation with students and answer questions about her 40-year career in theater and acting.
“I didn’t have the understanding that I do now to be able to pay it forward,” Fields said. “No one gave me the opportunities to have people come, especially people of color.”
On the third floor of the 1104 S. Wabash Ave. building on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Fields covered both the positive and negative experiences she dealt with by being a woman of color in the acting industry.
This included being able to create success in a career that you are passionate about, while also dealing with racial and gender discrimination.
Fields said she used her career to fight against that discrimination, starring in empowering shows like “Pearl’s Rollin’ With the Blues,” a cabaret-style musical revue she co-created. A 2022 review in Newcity Stage called her “a commanding contralto with a powerfully sweet, raspy timbre.”
AJ Jackson, a junior musical theatre major, called Fields “a role model for an African American person.”
Deron Turner, a first-year acting for stage and screen major, said the stories Fields shared about overcoming racism in the acting community resonated.
Fields advised students to not give up on their careers because it will be a struggle, and to leave the outside world outside while working and stay committed to the craft.
“You are an actor. Act. Act 100%,” Fields said.
Originating the role of Sofia in “The Color Purple” is something that made Fields proud as she reflected on her career, since most of her career has been in pre-established roles.
Later in the evening, she was able to work with the cast of Columbia’s production of “The Color Purple,” the fall main stage production.
Mikayla Jordan, a sophomore film and television major, said Fields’ advice to keep auditioning reminded them of their grandmothers. Even if an audition doesn’t go in their favor, a better outcome is awaiting them.
“I feel really seen. I feel touched because I can get in my head a lot and learning from someone like this is inspiring,” Jordan said.
Fields said that being in theater is like playing the board game Monopoly.
“Monopoly is the longest game in the world,” Fields said. “You’re in the game as long as your piece is on the board.”
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