Wednesday, October 17, 2012
UMES presents fall theater production
PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(Oct. 17, 2012) UMES’ Drama Society presents “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf” Nov. 2-3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts.
The play is a significant piece of African-American literature, Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson, professor of English and Modern Languages and Drama Society director, said. “It is particularly appropriate as it comes on the heels of October’s designation as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
The lives of nine black women and their ordeals are uncovered through the scenes of the play, she said. “They encounter various forms of domestic violence, but above all, despair and loneliness.” The UMES version, she assures, is PG-rated.
K’ Treece Lawson, student director, adds, “Watching the play might make women realize that they are not alone; we all go through problems. Hopefully, it will make them stronger by dealing with situations that they haven’t dealt with before.”
The production combines elements of Ntozake Shange’s 1975 original stage play and Tyler Perry’s 2010 film. “We are adapting some material from the movie to bring it to life as well as adding some original student dance choreography to the production,” Dameron-Johnson said.
The 37-year-old play remains relevant today. “Not a lot has changed, she explains, “which is why this show is so appealing to a cross section of audiences. To update the play and since the plight of females is universal, the characters will also represent races other than the traditional African-American and include men in performing roles.”
Students from the Department of English and Modern Languages and other areas join the Drama Society in the production. Tickets are available at the door: $5 general admission; $3 seniors and $2 students with ID. Call 410-651-6575 for more information.
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Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
