Tuesday, November 01, 2011

The Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will present the play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" again this year but with a few new twists that will make audiences rethink their perceptions of the story and characters, according to director Kimberly McLaughlin-Smith.

The production will run in UNCW's Lumina Theater for three shows, at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 10 and 11, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. McLaughlin-Smith is staging "For Colored Girls" again this year largely because of the success of last year's production, which drew packed houses and the need to add an additional show to meet audience demand.

Written by Ntozake Shange in 1975, "For Colored Girls" features poems that reveal the everyday realities of black women, all presented as different colors of the rainbow while dancing, moving and singing. The play's fusion of movement and language is referred to as a "choreopoem." It is highly dramatic, as the audience lives through often painful experiences with the women—experiences that define them and highlight them as distinct individuals.
McLaughlin-Smith said she sees vulnerability as a key word and principle for the production, both this year and last year, but that it has a different meaning this year.

"In last year's production, souls were bleeding, pouring out their pain," she said. "This year, the vulnerability comes from the characters' owning that no one can harm you without your permission. Last year, these women were victims. This year, they're survivors. That will be very clear in the delivery of all the monologues. The words are the same, but the interpretation will be different."

The director noted that this year's production also adds some subtle nuances, hinting at underlying issues for some of the characters such as depression or substance abuse.

"Our goal was not to bring the same production to the stage, while still maintaining the original intent and message of the author," she explained. "It's a rebirth, breathing a different life into the words."

The production has retained almost the entire cast from last year, including Saundra McClammy, Char Bel, Brenda Williams, Charlon Turner and Regina McLeod. Tammy Emeka is the play's co-director and stage manager, and Ron Dortch is acting coach.

McLaughlin-Smith suggested that audiences arrive by 7 p.m. for a special opening act performance by Techmoja Dance & Theatre Company, a Community Arts Center ensemble that will perform an R&B medley. Techmoja's appearance is sponsored by UNCW's Upperman African-American Cultural Center.

Tickets are required. Admission is $5 for general public; UNCW students are free with student ID. Tickets are available through the Lumina Movie Hotline at 910.962.4045 or in person at Sharky's Box Office, outside Lumina Theater in the Fisher Student Center. Hours are M-Th noon to 8 p.m., Friday noon to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday 6-9 p.m. The play contains adult subject matter and is not suitable for young children.

For more information or accommodations for disabilities, call the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 910.962.4274.

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.508.3127 or fischettid@uncw.edu