UK Theatre Network

When Ntozake Shange wrote ‘For Colored Girls…’ in 1975, she called it a ‘choreopoem’, a collection of words and movements mixed with music which united create a picture that cannot be communicated simply by the separate elements. A fusion of emotions and colours which try to communicate and explain relationships among the performers and characters in this complex, yet deeply moving play.

‘For Colored Girls…’ is, in reality, a collection of twenty separate poems, told by seven women – each of whom represent and embody a different colour of the rainbow. Beginning and ending with the Lady in Brown, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of the ladies in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and the events that surround their choices to contemplate taking their own lives, and the results of their decisions.

This is a very brave production and each of the women are striking in their strength and versatility, but also in their open honesty. The subjects dealt with in this play are never easy to listen to or to deal with, which is the theme of the play, but here we are engaged and welcomed in by the characters so that we feel almost as if we are sharing their stories with them. The choreography is beautifully linked to the music and acapella singing from the cast, which is highly moving at times.

The entire cast should be applauded for their dedication, but special mention should be made of Victoria Jones who manages to make the audience both laugh and cry. Alycya Miller’s direction is also right on the money and this production, although perhaps poorly attended, deserves to go far. With this production, Wild Child have certainly proved the old adage that at the end of every rainbow lays a pot of gold.

‘For Colored Girls…’ performs at the theatre Under St. Marks, 94 St. Mark’s Place,New York 10009

Directed by Alycya Miller

Featuring Elena Chang, Nia Hill, Maria Jensen, Victoria Jones, Chance Parker, Lony’e Perrine and Buena Batiste Webber

Choreography by Shalewa Mackall

For more information, please email forcoloredgirls@hotmail.com