SAN DIEGO — Common Ground Theatre, in collaboration SDCCD Continuing Education Division, continues its spring production of for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf at the Educational Cultural Complex Theater.
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf, by Ntozake Shange, is a series of 20 poems, collectively called a “choreopoem.” Shange’s poetry expresses the many struggles and obstacles that ‘women of color’ face throughout their lives. It is performed by a cast of seven women characters, each of whom is known only by a color: “Lady in Yellow,” “Lady in Purple,” etc. The poems deal with love, abandonment, rape, and abortion, embodied by each woman’s story, e.g. Lady in Blue’s visceral account of a woman who chooses to have an abortion, and Lady in Red’s tale of domestic violence. Recently, the play has been adapted into a major motion picture by Tyler Perry.
“It is exciting to direct and produce such an historical play,” Guest Director Charles W. Patmon, Jr. said. “Because it was recently adapted to film, more young people (and more specifically) young women, are being exposed to such a powerful piece. Ms. Shange explores the true essence of the struggles, heartaches, and triumphs that women of color experience in their lifetime. Although I am grateful for the film, only through the media of the stage can one truly appreciate the voices of these dynamic characters.”
Common Ground Theatre’s mission is to produce classics and new works by and about people of African descent that entertain, educate, and connect with audiences of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. The theatre envisions a culturally diverse, socially relevant, and politically aware theatre organization that nurtures the expertise of amateur and professional artists alike and improves community relations among diverse cultures and underrepresented groups.
Proceeds from the production of for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf will provide scholarships for students to attend Common Ground Theatre’s San Diego Theatre Artist Repertory Students (STARS) program. The STARS program is a new initiative created by Common Ground Theatre to build community through the arts by providing students of all ages and abilities with professional, affordable instruction in the performing, fine, and visual arts. The inaugural session will begin in May. For a schedule of classes and fees, contact CGT Administrative Office at (619) 255-2318.
for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf is performed at the Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Blvd. In San Diego until April 1.
Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for students/military/seniors; and $10 tickets for children under 12. Discounts tickets are available for groups of 10 or more.
For more information, contact the box office at (619) 255-2318.
