Touring performance of Ntozake Shange’s ‘For Colored Girls’ aims
to uplift plight of missing Black girls and women For Colored Girls
2017 When: Thursday, May 25th & Friday, May 26th Time: 5pm (Expo and
Doors Open); Where: Odell Johnson Theater, Oakland, California The
recent 40th anniversary of Ntozake Shange’s seminal choreopoem
“For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is
Enuf” continues to bring people together to celebrate, create art
and/or heal from trauma. Noted Black women artists and activists are
staging an updated version entitled "For Colored Girls 2017 to address
a variety of social justice issues, such as the institutional and
media trivialization in the U.S. towards the crisis of missing Black
women and girls. The ensemble cast of readers includes Thea Matthews,
Kiki Nicole, Sais Beraka, Nann Tsehay, Bobbi Kindred, Audacious I Am,
Thais, Be Steadwell (recently performed at the Women’s March on
Washington) and Cat Brooks (Anti Police-Terror Project founder). This
progressive production was envisioned and is directed by veteran
Oakland community organizer and SQM founder Kin Folkz aka Monica
Anderson, who writes, “This ‘justice seeking art action’ intends
to draw attention to the 75,000 missing and Black women and girls in
the U.S. - a demographic representing less than 7% of Americans yet
over 35% of all missing persons cases. The stories of missing Black
and Indigenous women and girls are rarely told by major news networks
or even reach the public via Amber Alerts.” Brooks writes, “This
timeless piece of art is important right now as we highlight the
invisibleness of Black girls and women and call attention to the
emotional, psychological and physical abuse our bodies are subject to
in today's America. It's also important because this piece beautifully
demonstrates our resilience, creativity, and community. No matter what
is thrown at us - we thrive.” This staged protest will offer
tangible support, proactive skills and useful information while
raising awareness for organizations that protect the rights of Black
women and girls. There'll also be a live art exhibit and social
justice expo and petition signing/postcard-creating station. Though
starting in the Bay Area, the production also hopes to tour across the
U.S. In collaboration with the For Colored Girls 2017 justice seeking
art action, Kin Folkz and Regina Evans (of Regina's Door) will unveil
a May 24th Lake Merritt ritual performance piece entitled CEREMONY to
raise awareness of the resistance against the human trafficking of
Black women and girls. Regina Evans shares that "Oakland is ground
zero for underage human trafficking in America. Everyday, in our city,
black and brown girls are being suffocated by this oppression. I call
in love. I call in empathy. I call in justice. On their behalf. And I
challenge the beloved community to join forces. So that our sacred
babies might live." We ask that folks participate in our ticket
donation drive to gift tickets to the art action to marginalized women
and youth in programs serving their wellness. For more details about
this 3-day action or to purchase a ticket to donate please visit:
www.SpectrumQueerMedia.com
culture
theater
expos
61
Views
27/05/2017 Last update