Common Ground Theatre (CGT), in collaboration SDCCD Continuing Education

Division, announces its Spring production,

SAN DIEGO – Common Ground Theatre, in collaboration SDCCD Continuing Education Division, will present its Spring production of “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf ” from March 16 – April 1, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) and 2:00 p.m. (Sunday matinees) 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 African-American women 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, heartache, 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.” Patmon was nominated for a San Diego Aubrey Award for Direction with his first production of for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf.

CGT’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. CGT 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 initial session will begin in May 2012.  For a schedule of classes and fees, please contact the CGT Administrative Office at (619) 255-2318.