AWESOME!

AMAZING!

BREATH TAKING!

INSPIRING!

MOVING!

These are all words I’d use to describe last week’s performances of For Colored Girls. I was able to witness a local cast transform the bodies, voices and movements into powerful, meaningful roles.  Although their costumes were mainly simple long skirts and colorful t-shirts, when each person opened their mouth – you listened.

Whether the beat of the drum or the harmony to the melody, talent surrounded all walls of the KY Center.  The all female cast made you laugh, cry and question yourself whether you should laugh or cry.  My husband was glad we sat in the second row, because all men sitting in the front row were easy targets to incorporate into the scene.   It was entertaining to watch the guy sitting in front of us have the entire cast vocalize their frustrations to him.

And can you say full house?  Packed crowds every night to support an African American play, with African American actresses and an African American producer.  Rush Trowel, the brainchild behind the production, worked his magic and showed that Louisville can hold its own.

I loved meeting the cast after the show.  During the play I was intrigued by JD Green’s performance.  She transformed from a young girl to an angry man and she made me feel as if I never wanted to cross her.  To my surprise, this was her first acting opportunity.  

I was fortunate to sit close to Donna Mason during a group scene where she played a homeless person. Most of what she did was off the cuff and not even a part of the main acting occurring, but everyone in our section was glued to her every subtle movement.

Anyone in the audience remembers the powerful ending headed by the amazingly talented Ebony Jordan.  She reached deep into her soul and pulled all of us in with her.  And we stayed with her.  And we felt her pain.  And we didn’t know what to do to make it better.

Local talent exists all over Louisville and we need to support avenues that showcase these people.  But the thing about it is, we all have talents.  Whether it’s theater, poetry, cooking, electronics, landscaping or teaching – we all have a gift.  Some of us are able to more visibly show our gifts.  Others are waiting for the right opportunity to shine. Just know, opportunity rarely comes and knocks on your door, you have to go knock on opportunity’s door.  Follow your dreams and opportunity will follow you!

October 2011