Taraji P. Henson Shares How Doing Her Own Makeup Helps Her Get into Character for “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” (Exclusive)

**Taraji P. Henson on Embracing the Stage: A Journey Through Broadway’s ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’**

Taraji P. Henson, well-known for her captivating performances on screen, is making waves in the theatre world with her recent role in the Broadway play “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” an acclaimed piece written by August Wilson. As she steps into the role of Bertha Holly, a nurturing matriarch of a boarding house in Pittsburgh, Henson reveals that her unique approach to preparing for performances plays a significant role in her transformation into the character.

In an exclusive interview, Henson shared with PEOPLE that doing her own makeup has become a vital part of her pre-performance rituals. This hands-on involvement is particularly important to her, as she does not have a dedicated hair and makeup team. “It’s literally me putting Bertha on,” Henson stated, explaining how this process helps her mentally and emotionally prepare for the character she portrays.

Despite the high-profile nature of her production, Henson finds solace in the routine of preparing herself before each show. “I spend the moments before a show preparing, and putting Bertha on,” she remarked. The talented actress does receive assistance with her wig and costume from the production team, but it is her involvement in her makeup that she feels helps to centre her in the role.

The play, which debuted in 1984, holds a special significance for Henson. Undoubtedly, her extensive background in theatre has equipped her for this demanding role. “I trained in theatre, so I actually feel more confident and comfortable on the stage,” she explained. This sense of familiarity is particularly evident in her ability to host live award shows, a skill she attributes to her theatre training, stating that “this is home for me.”

Attending the opening night celebration alongside co-star Cedric “The Entertainer,” Henson expressed the emotional depth she feels while performing live. “Broadway is a different animal,” she noted during a recent appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark.” Henson enthusiastically described the immediate connection and energy created with the audience, which she finds exhilarating. “The exchange you have with the audience eight times a week brings a completely different kind of energy than film or television,” she said.

Henson elaborated on the unique challenges of live theatre compared to other mediums. “When you do feature films or television, you don’t know if the joke worked until they yelled cut,” she explained, highlighting the immediate feedback from the audience that theatre provides. “But in the theatre, it’s so alive. I love the energy; the synergy with the audience. The show is different every night. It’s never picture lock,” she added, reflecting the dynamic nature of live performances.

Throughout the rehearsals and performances, Henson and her castmates partake in a pre-show tradition that further strengthens their bond as a team: a prayer circle before going on stage. This ritual, she explains, fosters a sense of family among cast members and helps ground her before stepping into the spotlight.

As the curtains pull back for “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” Henson’s journey into the world of Broadway continues to evolve, and it is clear that her commitment to the craft runs deep. Tickets for the production are available, allowing audiences the opportunity to witness Henson’s mastery of stage acting and the powerful storytelling that August Wilson’s work encapsulates.

As Henson steps into the limelight each night, her self-practice not only helps her embody Bertha Holly but also reflects a deeper connection to her roots in theatre, reaffirming that for her, Broadway is indeed a return home.