Irvington, NJ actress shines in for colored girls...

“I'm really excited for the teenagers or young ladies of color who are going to be able to come to the theater, sit in their comfy chair and watch 7 dynamic and enthusiastic African-American women perform.” Nicolette Lynch is talking about Ntozake Shange’s “choreopoem” for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf. Lynch is appearing as the Lady in Yellow in 4th Wall Theatre's upcoming staged reading at the Westminster Arts Center at Bloomfield College on February 16 and 17 at 7:30 pm. She continues “For some, it may very well be their first theatrical experience or first time seeing so many people who look like them on a stage. Representation is so important and I'm excited to be a part of that exposure for young women.”

for colored girls…is a stirring “choreopoem” which weaves together 20 separate poems with music, movement and narratives to tell the stories of love, empowerment, and struggle and loss in a complex representation of sisterhood. The cast consists of seven nameless African-American women only identified by the colors they are assigned.

Lynch, the hardworking and proud offspring of Jamaican immigrants believes in hard work and positive energy. She is the youngest member of the cast, but brings a wealth of theatre experience to the role. Lynch has appeared in numerous productions in the New Jersey/New York area, as well as working as a performer for the Disney Cruise Line.

When asked what attracts her to for colored girls… she is quick to respond “Language, language, language. Ms. Shange has crafted a beautiful piece that highlights the intricacies of women and more specifically, women of color. The choreopoem was and still is revolutionary. Where else has someone written a dynamic and engaging theatrical work that openly and honestly dissects what it is to be a "Colored Girl"?

The cast of for colored girls… also includes Lauren Pope Forbes Mimi B. Francis, Samille Ganges, Dana P. Hawkins, Lynette Sheard and Deirdra Hooker. The show is directed by Gwen Ricks-Spencer, 4th Wall founding member, and current Executive Director.

for colored girls… will run for two nights only, February 16 and 17 at 7:30 pm at the Westminster Arts Center on the campus of Bloomfield College in Bloomfield. More information, is available at www.4thwalltheatre.org. Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased online or reserved at 973-996-8484.

Photo by Tom Schopper