Award-winning actor Giovanni Adams joins Richard Watts on SmartArts to discuss his role as Ike Turner in TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, now playing at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne.

Giovanni opens up about Ike's complex character, a mix of villainy and vulnerability, shaped by his own struggles with abuse and trauma. He explains how Ike’s attempts to mould Tina were driven by both admiration and insecurity, ultimately fuelling her rise as the Queen of Rock and Roll.

Giovanni also highlights the importance of portraying Tina’s entire journey, including the darkness, to fully understand her power and resilience.

Reflecting on his move to Australia for love, Giovanni shares how stepping into this role has given him a platform to confront the harsh realities of domestic violence and spark conversations within the community.

Ultimately, he hopes the audience sees Tina's trajectory — "She went through the fire and came out stronger."

Photo: Daniel Boud