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Lander Theatre Students to Stage Production of a Play Described as Inspiring and Transforming

Monique Sacay-BagwellStudents and faculty in Lander University's Department of Mass Communication and Theatre are collaborating on a production of the play "for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuff," a stark portrayal of the struggles and obstacles faced by women in general and black women in particular.

The play, written by Ntozake Shange, made its debut on Broadway and off-Broadway in 1976. The following year, it won an Obie Award for distinguished production and was nominated for a Tony Award as best play. It has since been adapted as a book, a television film and the 2010 motion picture "For Colored Girls."

Directed by Monique Sacay-Bagwell, professor of theatre at Lander, the play is described by critics as "passionate and fearless." It is a choreopoem composed of music and movement woven around 20 poems dealing with domestic violence, abortion, love, loneliness, strength and other emotional issues. Sacay-Bagwell said the content is for mature audiences and children will not be admitted.

The cast includes students Kristen Gist, of Union; Beonka Edwards, of Greenwood; Naja King, of Hopkins; and Sharae Walker and Amber Rae Weston, of Anderson. Eric Johnson of Mauldin will appear in the role of Everyman.

The play will open on Wednesday, Oct. 3, and run through Saturday, Oct. 6. Performances will be held in Room A-220, the Greenroom, in Lander's Josephine B Abney Cultural Center, beginning at 8 p.m. weeknights and at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Seating is limited and, while admission is free, a ticket is required for entry.

The Cultural Center box office will open at 5 p.m. for the 8 p.m. performances and at 2:30 for the Saturday matinee. Tickets will be limited to one per person.