“Nina Simone: Four Women” wears its heart on its sleeves. There is nothing subtle here; even less that is nuanced. With the notable exception of Cearcy’s affecting, beautifully shaped character, Aunt Sarah, Ham’s women are less full-bodied characters than spokespersons for a variety of positions.

“What we see in this play is Simone as an artist making the transition to artist-activist. It’s an opportunity for her to see how her gift operates in the world when she is going through her own struggles.”