The very first performance of this classic legendary piece of theatre was a series of narrative poetic monologues that would later become the critically acclaimed choreopoem for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange. The original poems were performed at a women’s bar outside Berkley, California in 1974, fifty years ago, with four other artists including the playwright herself, a couple of musicians, and a dancer.  Ntozake’s seminal piece of dramatic text literally transformed the NY theatre scene when it premiered on Broadway in 1976. It wasn’t a drama, comedy, musical, or any other form of theatre that had been previously characterized. It was a choreopoem as identified by the author herself. It was raw, authentic storytelling that finally gave the voices of Black women an opportunity to be heard without the window dressing of an overly produced theatrical event. The stage was almost bare, the women had one simple elegant colorful satin crepe dress with no frills. They each stood on the stage barefoot and real. It was a theatrical phenomenon. Fifty years later it still is.

In 1977, this play transformed my life and started me on my journey of self-discovery, self-determination and liberation. It was this play that challenged me to have the courage to be who I am and affirmed my identity as “a colored girl”. It made me recognize that the process of becoming an artist is a lifelong pursuit. Several generations of artists since have had the opportunity to be transformed by the brilliance of the activist poet, artist, and feminist scholar Ntozake Shange of 1974. for colored girls… has a legacy and this work is meant to be a gift. It is meant to be witnessed and not merely passively watched. It is intended to be a challenge and an inspiration. May you receive it in the spirit it is given.  

With courage and love, 

Dr. T