MOLINE, ILLINOIS (March 14, 2019) — A dramatic/multi-generational play entitled, "for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf," is being peformed at Playcrafters Barn Theatre March 29th and 30th. The show is at 7:30 pm and you can get ticket at the door for $10.00.
Synopsis of the play:
This play, more specifically choreopoem, by Ntozake Shange was a seminal experimental play in the mid-1970s, which intersected poetry and dance. Although this work seems to capture women of color in pain, it ultimately focuses on women's victory, sisterhood, hope, and love. While some men have felt uncomfortable viewing the play, they should not, because the play is not a focus on men, but rather a focus on women and their stories, their courage, and their triumph.
Background of this “community-wide” production:
The goal of the project is for an intergenerational group of Women of Color to present a successful production of Ntozake Shange’s chorepoem, "for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf". Through participation in the project, all will realize that they don’t face their stories alone and that through the sharing of stories all can find their individual and collective strength.
The mission of “The Bridges Collaborative” is to encourage the Quad Cities community through positive intergenerational projects.
The values of the collaborative are:
- Artistic expression of the community,
- Economic uplifting for the community,
- Access and voice in the community, and
- Educational excellence and affirmation by the community.
TOH (Testimonies of Hope) — Argrow’s House provides free holistic services for women healing from violence and abuse in the greater Quad Cities region. Services range from grief support counseling to art therapy, offering holistic care, and development-opportunities for women of all walks of life.
The project hopes to engage and impact the community by:
- Performing a seminal work in this genre which had Nationwide acclaim on Broadway (1977)
- Beginning conversations with people who feel they need support,
- Partnering with TOH Argrow’s House, the Community-at-large becomes aware of a positive resource & business in our community,
- Giving Voice and Empowerment to women as they tell these stories, and
- Providing an opportunity for Women healing from violence and abuse to engage in journal writing/expression sessions.
The Cast pictured are L-R: Tammy Reed, Amari Harris, Lu Anne Sisk, Ivy Jensen, Shawn Bolton, Cresencia Burhans, Chelsea Ward, Alisha Hanes, Shellie Moore-Guy, Elaine Miller, Joy Johnson, and Abi Jensen.
Cast (in alphabetical order):
Shawn Bolton
Cresencia Burhans
Alisha Hanes
Amari Antoinette Harris
Abi Jensen
Ivy Jensen
Joy Lynn Johnson
V. Elaine Miller
Shellie Moore-Guy
Tammy Flame Reed
Lu Anne Sisk
Chelsea Ward
Crew:
Ida Bland — Logistics
Shoma Oyahla — Logistics
Jasmine Bozeman — PR Graphics
Dorian Byrd — Mentor
LaVerne Wheatley — Coach
Marquita Reynolds — Technical Director
Thea Ellis — Stage Manager
Madelyn Jackson — Assistant Director
(Diana) Anita Allen — Producer/Director
