PULLMAN, Wash. — The award-winning play, “for colored girls who have
considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf,” is set for a three-night run on
the Washington State University campus this week.
Co-directed by WSU faculty members Phyllis Gooden-Young and Teresa
Wolf-Spencer, the production intermingles music, dancing, acting and poetry
on Daggy Hall’s R.R. Jones Theatre stage during the 8 p.m. performances Feb.
10-12.
“For colored girls” was written by Ntozake Shange. Gooden-Young, who has
worked with the author, describes the play as “a series of learning and growing
experiences involving understanding and self-love.”
The play was originally intended for an audience of women, but
Gooden-Young said the message is applicable for everyone.
Both directors feel strongly that the play is important, pertinent and has a
powerful message for the community. While some of the material is abrasive,
harsh and controversial, the gritty depiction of urban life is necessary in order
to portray the experience of the modern American woman accurately, they said.
Music, dance and the spoken word are incorporated into a series of short
descriptive literary sketches. “Poetry is usually subliminal in context,”
Gooden-Young said. “The music and dance in our play make the poetry more
tangible.”
Music in “for colored girls” was composed and directed by Horace Alexander
Young, a music faculty member. A jazz quartet supplies the music and is joined
by blues vocalist Julie Silvera-Jensen.
Tickets may be reserved by calling 509/335-7236. Additional information can be
obtained by calling the theater office at 509/335-7447.
Sh110-00
