There are struggles not unknown to everyone, but often overlooked, when thinking about the Black woman in America.  

When Ntozake Shange first premiered 20 poems in 1975, comprising her iconic work that became “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf,” she had no idea how timeless the work would be nearly 50 years later. The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to offer this production from Nov. 22 through Dec. 8 in the STUDIO at the Hilberry Gateway. 

The 20 poems are presented by a combination of seven Black women, each one represented by a different color. The themes of the poems represent the vast variety of the experiences of Black women in America, with topics about love, loss, abandonment, abuse, assault, and sisterhood. Shange expertly patterned a tapestry to follow along and experience these women with the use of musical moments and choreography. 

“Understanding Black women helps us to understand ourselves,” said Dr. RAS Mikey Courtney, director of choreography and assistant professor of dance. “We are all human and need love and support for our differences, not persecution.” 

While the subject matter can get weighty, Shange weaves moments of levity and lightheartedness throughout the choreopoem. Audiences will be transfixed with the ladies dancing in reaction to the experiences shared by their colleagues, as well as their sharp interjections and reactions to the information being shared.  

The cast features students from the B.A., B.F.A., and M.F.A. theatre programs in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, all being led under the direction of Billicia Charnelle Hines, associate dean in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. “It is such a joy to be able to work with these phenomenal students to bring this product to life,” said Hines.  

The cast also invites the community to assist them in their partnership with Mittens for Detroit in providing the gift of warmth. The community is invited to drop off gifts of new, warm, durable pairs of gloves and/or mittens in the drop-off box located in the lobby of the Hilberry Gateway. More information on the specific types of gloves needed is available by going to the Mittens for Detroit website.  

See all dates and times and purchase tickets online or by calling the Hilberry Gateway box office at (313) 577-2972. 

About the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts 

The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts is home to today’s aspiring artists, performers, technicians, scholars, dancers, debaters, entrepreneurs, and communication professionals who all represent the college’s legacy of excellence in our respective fields. The college serves students majoring in 17 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs and three graduate certificates through its departments: the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History and Design, the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, and the departments of communication and music. From debate to dance, jazz to journalism, and fashion design to center stage, our students create captivating performances, inspire artistic and academic excellence, and conduct innovative research on behalf of our Detroit community. 

About Wayne State University 

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about Wayne State University, visit wayne.edu. 

# # #