“For Colored Girls” Now at Phoenix Theatre, Nairobi

“For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf” by Ntozake Shange is showing at the Phoenix Theatre in the Nairobi CBD. I saw it last Thursday and recommend that you see it too. It’s an intense performance – the choreopoems that together make up the play are deep and often beautiful and deal with difficult questions: abortion; the dynamics in women relating to each other; unfaithfulness in relationships; sexuality; abuse; death.  The overarching theme is the finding of voice by women – specifically women of color but ultimately every woman. I’ve found myself singing a line that ends the play “I found God in myself/And I loved Her”. True.

I also particularly enjoyed that Mumbi Kaigwa, the play’s director, “Lady in Red”, performs alongside her daughter, Mo Pearson, “Lady in Blue”. There is something very powerful about watching mother and daughter interacting simply as women and exploring together through performance such deep, critical issues. It’s inspiring; it’s encouraging and I applaud Mumbi for allowing and enabling for her 20 year old daughter, a budding actress and singer in her own right, to be part of this.

Do make the time to go watch this play. The remaining shows are: Wednesday 31 July 7 pm; Thursday 1 Aug 7 pm; Friday 2 Aug 7 pm; Saturday 3Aug 3 pm (and 6 pm show which is already sold out).

Tickets are Kes 500 / Kes 300 (Students with ID) and may be purchased by contacting the following: Phoenix Players 0705 589722 / 020 222 5506. Colbourne Odero, (The Arts Canvas) 0707 305365. Not suitable for anyone under 18.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *