Almost fifty years after its first run on Broadway, the theater piece is back and just as heartbreaking as it was before.
Arguably one of the most important theater pieces of all time,“for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf” has made its return to Broadway. The play opened at the Booth Theatre on April 20, the same theater it opened at in 1976. Camille A. Brown makes her directorial debut on Broadway with “for colored girls.” Brown is the first Black woman to direct and choreograph a play on Broadway in 65 years.
The piece has been performed across the globe and been adapted on-screen with the 2010 film directed by Tyler Perry. “for colored girl” speaks to its name. Each monologue and scene unravels the anguish women face in love, youth, and loss. But these experiences come to shape them and eventually aid them in finding acceptance.
The characters involved are referred to by their distinct color. Seven of them, Lady in Red, Lady in Blue, Lady in Purple, Lady in Yellow, Lady in Brown, Lady in Green, and Lady in Orange, fill the stage from the beginning laughing, dancing, and celebrating, but suddenly things become dark.
“for colored girls” finds a great balance between joy and sadness. There are moments that garner hysterical laughter and some that demand tears. The cast (Amara Granderson, Tendayi Kuumba, Kenita R. Miller, Okwui Okpokwasili, Stacey Sargeant, Alexandria Wailes, and D. Woods) have fascinating chemistry that latches onto the piece’s largest theme—sisterhood. One noteworthy performance is by Sargeant, who performs “i usedta to live in the world” with all the right beats and emotions.
The material itself sounds outdated, but the performances truly make it timeless. The stage setup is additionally noteworthy as nothing is on stage but the women. Major lighting and sound effects are scattered throughout to add a layer to the performance, but the acting is truly what guides the material. Along with words, dance is used to convey certain narratives and emotions. The dancing is nothing too exquisite, but it completely captivates the audience.
“for colored girls” is a must-see.
Tickets to “for colored girls” are available now.
