Our Stories, Our Voices

Published April 24, 2010 at 4:17 a.m.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" opened at the Carver Theatre on April 22. Local actors took the audience through emotional highs and lows as they brought the production to life. The poetic play deals with love, death, abandonment and, ultimately, triumphs and is truly a must-see for women and men alike.

We spoke with Alicia Johnson, the film's producer and director, about her inspiration for bringing the play to the stage, why she thinks the 1975 production is still relevant and what she has learned about herself in the process.

Why did you decide to bring “For Colored Girls”to the local stage?

Actually, I have produced and directed this production on three previous occasions because of the necessity for the community at large to hear this compelling message. What better way to teach the value of triumph over the negative situations that we as women find ourselves in, than through theatrical portrayal and storytelling. Aldridge Repertory Theatre was in need of a director for the piece and extended the opportunity to me to direct. I accepted without hesitation.

What do you hope viewers will get out of this play?

They should learn, or be reminded, that no matter how steep the mountain or how great the fall, they can get up and overcome all obstacles that may hinder them. I would like men and women alike to know that they must love themselves with the love of God who resides inside of them. Moreover, it is my hope that sisters near and far will extend their hands, their hearts, their listening ears and their talents to our younger sisters so that we can live the rich and fulfilling lives that were intended for us while on this earth.

Why is this message relevant today?

Domestic violence laws, date rape issues, unwanted pregnancy and abortion are matters that we must absolutely stay informed about and address. Those are only a handful of the issues discussed in “For Colored Girls” Women, who have endured the emotional tyranny of these negative situations, and live to tell about them, are our unsung heroines in the world of women's issues. Their testimonials give others courage to continue their work in women's advocacy. These realities alone make this play relevant for years to come.  

Tell me about the actors in this production and what they bring to the play.

Each of them brings their own unique flair and vibrancy to the roles that they are playing. They are all intelligent, sassy and beautiful women that I have enjoyed working with. Five of them have theatre degrees, which is most impressive considering how difficult it was to find Black folks who actually worked in the industry here in Birmingham when I started on this journey over 20 years ago. It makes me very proud to be a part of our up-and-coming thriving arts community.

More often than not, comedies are a bigger draw for stage plays in Birmingham. Why should people see this production which is not a comedy?

It isn't a comedy. However, some of the text accompanied by the direction that I chose to go in for the piece possesses comical moments. The fact of the matter is that everyone has their preferences. Some folks like comedies, while others crave straight theatre. ìFor Colored GirlsÖî is just plain REAL. It deals with real stuff that we need to think about, talk about and act on. It encourages self love and empowerment in an up close and personal way that inspires a necessary spiritual connection. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It does exactly what it is supposed to do for an audience; move emotions.

How would you compare “For Colored Girls” to “Vagina Monologues” and “Pocketbook Monologues”?

The “Pocketbook Monologues” and “For Colored Girls” deal more specifically with African-American women's issues, while the “Vagina Monologues” is universally relevant to women. Each one of these works give women an opportunity to pontificate, and just plain get out of their systems, everything they were thinking, feeling and simply wanting to say so they can start the healing process, learn the lesson or help some other sister, but most importantly get on with their lives. Women tend to be emotional creatures who enjoy talking things through. The above-mentioned plays do that in an interesting and entertaining way that can touch men and women alike.

How do you feel about Tyler Perry bringing this production to the silver screen?

Perry wanting to produce this master piece as a film speaks volume to the prestige that it has in the African-American Theatre cannon. He is known to present works that speak to one's soul and encourages positive life changes particularly for Black women. That said, I think that his engagement of a show like this will only propel this very necessary message forth on a much broader scope than it has ever been disseminated before.

This production is full of lessons. What have you learned about yourself throughout production?

I have learned that there is always more to glean from as I reach in the corners of my mind for ideas. I've learned that I can stretch myself and my imagination far beyond what I think that I can. And I was sincerely reminded of just how deep my passion for theatre truly is. There are no words to describe my love for this genre of the arts. 


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