What began as a casual in-class reading assignment has matured into a theatrical production of a former UF professor's choreopoem.
The work, which mixes dance and poetry, is titled "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf." It features 10 UF students who will play all seven colors of the rainbow tonight, each depicting a different woman in Ntozake Shange's play.
The performance grew from a popular response to pieces performed by volunteer dramatists in a women's studies class that were initially meant to help students better understand Shange's play, said Dametria Selmore, a UF graduate student and director of the show.
Shange, who taught at UF for about three years, filled her choreopoem with serious issues women encounter, such as domestic violence and rape, using about 16 poetic monologues, Selmore said.
While she generally likes an elaborate set, Selmore said this production is stripped of all scenery and lighting. The simplicity of the surroundings is meant to create intimacy between actor and audience while also emphasizing the poetry.
"The scenery is in the words," she said.
While the actors and audience may not be able to relate to some of the play's more serious issues, Selmore said, she thinks everyone will benefit from exposure to the general roots of the problems.
Selmore cited one poem delivered by the character of a stripper.
"Maybe they won't have a whole lot of experience with that," she said, but added that everyone could experience a desire to wash away part of their past.
Britney Martinez, a cast member and UF sophomore, said she most identifies with the Lady in Red, whom she plays at points. While their means of searching for love might differ, Martinez said the general need of the character is similar to her own.
"Growing up, I've had a lot of self-esteem issues, and I've always found myself looking for love in different places," she said.
Martinez, who also plays the Lady in Green and the Lady in Blue during the play, said the effect of identifying the women by colors instead of names is two-fold.
It shows their loss of identity and makes their situation applicable to many, she said.
Her first show at UF, Martinez said she was encouraged by more practiced cast members, such as her Theatre Appreciation instructor, Anedra Johnson.
Johnson, a graduate student at UF, has been in the play once before. Johnson, like Martinez, plays the Lady in Red and the Lady in Green at points in the play.
Johnson said Shange's poetry gives a message that needs to be shared, mainly that women tend to settle for what they do not deserve and tolerate poor treatment by the men in their lives.
"I would do this play a million times if it was something that would strengthen women as a whole," she said. "This is one play that really puts women on the forefront."
Despite the deep issues and thoughts of suicide, Selmore said the show ends on a happy note. The women move forward toward self-acceptance and independence, she said.
"The rainbow has the idea of hope," she said.
The performance, which is free, will be at 6:15 p.m. in Ustler Hall.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 352-392-3365.
