“For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf” is a profoundly personal yet powerfully universal “choreopoem” by African-American poet/playwright Ntozake Shange performed at the Desert Rose Playhouse.

In the Xhosa language of the Zulu, Ntozake Shange means “she who comes with her own things and walks like a lion” and the name (unfortunately left off of the opening night program) was adopted by Paulette Williams in 1971 after an unhappy marriage led her to attempt suicide. Her experiences as a woman of color, a dancer, and a poet led to her development of the twenty poems that comprise “For Colored Girls,” and the play reached Broadway in 1976. I saw it that year and was strongly moved, despite being neither female nor black.

The Desert Rose set is a simple black box, and the seven unnamed characters wear a rainbow of colorful tops with dark slacks or skirts. The actors take turns relating their experiences either alone on stage or with other players responding.  It is unfair to compare this production with my thirty-plus-year-old Broadway memories of dazzling colors, rhythmic intensity, and emotional excitement. Still, this presentation, directed by Alisia Downing (who also joins the cast as Shange did in the 70s), emphasizes the poetic aspect of the “choreopoem” rather than the dance portion. Shange specifies explicit musical accompaniment (“‘Dancing in the Streets’ by Martha and Vandellas,” “The Dells singing ‘Stay’”) and often calls for the group to dance. The “choreopoem” cries out for constant rhythm and movement. This said, the Desert Rose production has relevance and impact.

Maria Teresa Herrera (Lady in Yellow) tells a funny tale of her graduation night and the back seat of a Buick. Danielle S Fleming (Purple) and Montserrat Castro (Orange) have effective monologues, and Lauren Poole (Green) provides insight with the wonderful poem, “someone almost walked off wid alla my stuff.” Director Downing (Red) dances well and is strong in the harrowing story of Crystal and Beau Willy.  Carmen Prince (Blue) brings sassy attitude to her contributions, and Gwen B Sedillo gives dignity and authority to her roles.

The poems explore the dangers of love, the pain of rejection (there is a strong riff on men’s endless apologies: “didnt nobody stop usin my tears to wash cars cuz a sorry”), rape and other horrific violence, yet the play ends with a strong sense of survival and sisterhood. There were missed light cues and rushed readings—opening night jitters—but the play’s vigor prevails.

If You Go

WHAT: “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf” by Ntozake Shange

WHEN: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through August 5

WHERE: The Desert Rose Playhouse, 6921-E Montgomery NE

HOW MUCH: $10 general public. Call 881-0503 for ticket information

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