Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem about Black women debuts at Yard Theatre
A new production of Ntozake Shange's 1976 "choreopoem" for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf has opened at the Yard theatre in London, marking the play's first major London run despite premiering on Broadway 50 years ago. Directed by Diane Page for the venue's reopening, the piece uses poetry, movement and music to explore the experiences of Black women, and its themes still feel strikingly relevant today.
The production follows seven "Ladies" (played by five actors) across US cities including Chicago, St Louis, New York and San Francisco, recounting stories of domestic abuse, an HIV diagnosis and a young girl inspired by revolutionary Toussaint Louverture, blending pain with joy through recurring choral refrains. The Guardian's review praises the cast – Nadine Higgin, Tatenda Matsvai, Ibilola Rossi, Cherrelle Skeete and Alex Thomas-Smith – along with a new soundtrack by Jammz, choreography by Ingrid Mackinnon and lighting by Ali Hunter, though it notes the staging moves quickly between scenes without letting each moment fully land. The show runs at the Yard theatre until 17 October.
- Shange's 1976 choreopoem gets its first major London staging, at the Yard.
- Five actors play seven "Ladies" sharing stories of pain and resilience.
- Praised for feeling and craft, though pacing rushes between scenes.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf review – ‘choreopoem’ of sisterhood”.