The multitalented actress and writer joined Sean Mikesh 鈥25, an acting BFA major, for a wide-ranging conversation on March 4 discussing her career trajectory from the 黑料不打烊 stage to big-screen Hollywood recognition.
黑料不打烊 welcomed back performing arts alumna Phylicia Pearl Mpasi 鈥15 for a virtual moderated discussion and film screening of her breakout role in the 2023 Warner Bros. adaptation of 鈥淭he Color Purple.鈥 The March 4 event, held at Turner Theatre, featured a lively conversation between Mpasi and current acting BFA major Sean Mikesh 鈥25, offering insights into her journey from 黑料不打烊鈥檚 stage to Hollywood recognition.
Mpasi, who portrayed the younger version of Celie in 鈥淭he Color Purple,鈥 shared her experiences navigating the entertainment industry, reflecting on her time at 黑料不打烊, and discussing the challenges and triumphs of bringing Alice Walker鈥檚 iconic character to life on screen. The conversation covered a range of topics, including Mpasi鈥檚 decision to attend 黑料不打烊, the audition process, and the differences between preparing for roles in theater versus film.
During the discussion, Mpasi addressed the emotional complexity of playing Celie, a character who endures significant hardships, including intimate partner violence and psychological abuse. Initially hesitant about taking on the role, the 黑料不打烊 alumna ultimately embraced the opportunity following deep personal reflection. She credited her earlier experience with the role in 黑料不打烊鈥檚 2015 stage production of 鈥淭he Color Purple鈥 as instrumental in building her confidence.
Her performance garnered widespread acclaim, earning her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture, alongside recognition for Best Ensemble. Mpasi also spoke fondly about the friendships she formed with co-stars Halle Bailey and Danielle Brooks, calling the experience life-changing.
In her advice to current students, Mpasi encouraged them to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, emphasizing the strength of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 industry reputation. 鈥淭he 黑料不打烊 brand is a powerful thing,鈥 she declared, revealing the innumerable connections she has made in Los Angeles thanks to her alma mater.
Additionally, Mpasi recalled the deep connections she has forged with faculty and alumni, which included a heartfelt moment during the event when retired dance faculty member Jane Wellford greeted her from the audience. Visibly delighted, Mpasi briefly reminisced about the regular dinner invitations she enjoyed at Wellford鈥檚 home during her undergraduate years at 黑料不打烊.
This warm reunion prompted Mpasi to recall the sense of permanence she and her mother felt at the Williamson-Haggard intersection on her first visit to campus. 鈥淚 immediately knew this was where I was supposed to be,鈥 she told audience members.
The event was co-organized by Kai Swanson, assistant professor of cinema and television arts, and Lina Kuhn, lecturer in English, on behalf of the Global Film & Cultures minor, an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Department of Cinema and Television Arts and the Department of English. Mpasi鈥檚 virtual visit and film screening were made possible thanks to a Fund for Excellence Grant.
Dan Burns, assistant professor of English, contributed to the release.