"FOR COLORED GIRLS..." AN AMAZING RUN, AND MORE TO COME....?

When I first embarked on this journey (accepting the "lady in blue" role in the UpRise! Productions for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf), I admit to feeling a bit uneasy concerning the extended rehearsal hours and the initial meager wage offerings. Not to mention, my car was on the fritz, forcing me to use public transportation to get to and from rehearsals for the first few weeks. Lots (LOTS) of memorization, along with movement/gestures which at times, didn't feel "congruent." I don't normally do other people's work; it's very different memorizing what comes out of your own brain, as opposed to memorizing someone else's thoughts (Ntozake Shange's work is not your typical read!) and internalizing a director's interpretation of a script. And I had never worked with the Director before (Zell Miller III); I'd seen some of his work and know him through the spoken-word community, but I had no idea of what to expect of him as a Director...

A fundraiser and an amazing held-over run to standing ovation audiences later, I'm glad I took the leap! First of all, the 6 women I shared the stage with are AMAZING!! Consummate performers onstage, and plain ol' GOOD PEOPLE, on and offstage. We received spectacular reviews from the two major publications/arts reviewers in town. My performance efforts (acting/dance/vocals) even received a special "nod" from the Austin Chronicle! SEE LINK: http://www.austinchronicle.com/arts/2011-09-09/for-colored-girls-who-have-considered-suicide-when-the-rainbow-is-enuf/ And as Director, Zell proved himself creative, innovative, and more importantly, respectful and tactful in getting what he needed from the cast members. I had a pleasant experience working with him.

I went from feeling a bit apprehensive about the process to feeling melancholy and empty the morning after the final curtain; even shedding a few tears because the production -- the MAGIC -- had come to an end...

EXCITING NEWS!! It's quite possible the production may be coming to a theater NEAR YOU! Stay tuned for details!!

Pictured, the cast of "for colored girls..." from LEFT to RIGHT: Chelsea Manasseri/lady in purple, Whitney Burleson/lady in orange, Ebony Stewart/lady in red, Chandra Washington/lady in blue, Patricia Robinson/lady in yellow, Sade Jones/lady in green, Minerva Villa/lady in brown

HEALING CARAVAN AT STATE THEATER JUNE 11, AUSTIN, TX

On June 11, 2011 at the State Theater in Austin, Texas, the Healing Caravan opened for the legendary Last Poets, as part of the 2011 Black Arts Movement Festival (BAM), hosted annually by ProArts Collective.

The best Healing Caravan performance to date!! I'm my biggest critic and I can honestly say I feel very pleased with the performance. And the audience response was overwhelmingly positive! Here's some comments from audience participants, and those who viewed the video:

"...An important, empowering message!"

"You need to take that on the road!"

"...Profound, educational, and emotional. I also thought it was completely innovative and original. Congratulations! I'm glad I made the decision to go. I think I will remember that "Perfect" piece forever."

"Your stellar performance is recorded in my mind. Great show!"

"Congrats Chandra! Wonderful work!"

"It was too short; the audience was hollerin' for more!"

"That was so awesome! Love the dance and movement. The lighting was really cool. Whole thing was top notch and did make me want to see more. I can certainly see it expanded on tour."

"Excellent job!"

I'm in the process of soliciting agents and presenters. My desire is to tour the performance to play festivals, concert halls, college campuses, and health expos. If you can assist me in this, Holla Back!!