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
