February 27, 2004

'For Colored Girls...' Opens March 10 For Women's History Month

Boise State University will commemorate Women’s History Month with a slate of events, including the choreo-poem “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf” (cq) by Ntozake Shange. The play is at 7:30 p.m. March 10-12 and at 2 p.m. March 13 in the Special Events Center. Tickets are $10 general and $5 for students and Boise State faculty and staff through Select-a-Seat. Directed by Trinidad native and Canadian-based artist and director Rhoma Spencer, the production addresses the issues that face women, especially women of color. Originally written in the 1970s, the issues affecting black women at that time are still inherent in today’s world. Organizers said that yesterday’s Vietnam is today’s Afghanistan and Iraq, and identity, alienation, loneliness and racism are all still facets of the black female ethos today. “To me, this play speaks to women of all races,” said Spencer. “Shange challenges women to see the beauty of themselves beyond the rainbow and find inner peace and contentment. By confronting our situations and retelling our stories, Shange’s play invites us to learn from these women’s pain, struggles, joys and triumphs.” Movement is being choreographed by Boise state performance studies major LaShawn Harris. The set, designed by Angi Grow, will incorporate various elements of urban art. The cast includes: Katrina Bermudo, a Boise State freshman considering a nursing major. A native of the Philippines, Bermudo is the daughter of Marilou and Russell Bush of The Philippines.   Georgette Dashiell, a singer and songwriter. Dashiell is the owner of Broken Angel Productions. She is the daughter of George and Joan Dashiell of Smithfield, Va., and Runnemede, N.J.   LaShawn Harris, a Boise State sophomore majoring in theatre arts, with a dance performance emphasis. Harris, of Prattville, Ala., is the daughter of Barbara Harris.   Wanda Lynn Riley, director of risk management for Boise State and Idaho Human Rights Education Center board member. Riley was honored as a 2003 “Woman Making History” and received the 2003 Voices of Faith Human Rights Award. The daughter of Edward Riley of Atlanta, Ga., and Tevora Tabor of Baton Rouge, La.   Kerin Rose, a member of the staff for TRIO at Boise State. Rose is the daughter of Judi Hancock of Fallbrook, Calif., and Frank Nyholt of Independence, Calif.   Maria Sermonia, a Boise State sophomore majoring in theatre arts. A native of The Philippines, Sermonia is the daughter of Cynthia and Armand Sermonia. -30- Contact Autumn Haynes Student Activities 208 426-3049 Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275