After her feature acting debut in the recent adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ musical, H.E.R. is stepping into a new project that promises to be both vibrant and culturally significant.
The Oscar, Emmy, and five-time Grammy award-winning musical artist is set to develop, produce, and star in an untitled project inspired by majorettes, in collaboration with 20th Century Studios. This venture reunites H.E.R. with her ‘Color Purple’ producers Oprah Winfrey and Scott Sanders, under the banners of Harpo Films and Scott Sanders Productions respectively.
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Fascinated by the impact of majorettes on Black culture, H.E.R. pitched the idea to Winfrey and Sanders after their successful collaboration on ‘The Color Purple’. The upcoming project, to be scripted by Lauren Ashley Smith, revolves around a dance theme set in a fictional Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Atlanta. The storyline follows an introverted ballet dancer from Los Angeles who defies her parents by putting her dance career on hold to go to college. There, she joins her HBCU’s struggling majorette team and attempts to overcome culture shock, her stuffy dance background and fierce rivals to help return the team to its former glory.
This project not only aims to showcase the vibrant life and challenges at an HBCU through the eyes of a majorette but also delves into the rich history of majorettes themselves. Majorettes have been a fixture on HBCU campuses for over 50 years, blending elements of jazz, hip hop, ballet, burlesque, kick lines, and more into a unique and powerful dance style. Their influence extends beyond college campuses, shaping pop culture worldwide with majorette-inspired choreography making waves in the entertainment industry.
Joining the production team alongside H.E.R., Winfrey, and Sanders are Carla Gardini and Mara Jacobs. Rashonda Joplin will oversee the project for 20th Century Studios.
Lauren Ashley Smith, known for her Emmy-nominated writing and co-hosting the Gracie award-winning SiriusXM radio show *Smith Sisters Live*, brings her talent to the script. She has previously worked on HBO’s *A Black Lady Sketch Show*, garnering critical acclaim and nominations for her contributions.
H.E.R.’s foray into acting builds on her musical success, including Grammy-winning albums and her Oscar and Grammy-winning song “Fight for You” from *Judas and the Black Messiah*. Her role as Mary “Squeak” Agnes in *The Color Purple* has earned her further recognition in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility and artistry beyond music.