Play delves into struggles of modern women

Ntozake Shange’s 1975 play “For Colored Girls who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf” shocked and awed audiences. Through an unconventional combination of dance and poetry on stage, it was a snapshot of what it meant to be a “colored” woman in the United States. 35 years later, a new play is picking up where “For Colored Girls” left off.

“Since ‘76” takes a step into the new millennium, covering issues facing the modern women who came after the publication of “For Colored Girls.” It is performed as a series of monologues dealing with the more contemporary issues such as life as a single mother, AIDS, sexuality and more.

“It’s definitely a production you can relate to,” said Assistant Stage Manager and Sound Designer, Carole Cox. “If you haven’t gone through exactly what they’re talking about, you definitely can relate to it in some way.”

Florida A&M students will soon be able to relate to it on their own turf as the Essential Theater brings the production to ‘the Hill.’

The production will be in Charles Winter Wood Theater until Sunday.

“It’s a great production,” said Cox. “There’s music, dance, great acting, lights; it’s going to keep you awake. It’s a fun play, and I’m glad to be a part of it, so you should come out and see it.”

Opening night is Friday at 8 p.m., with tickets available at the box office for $12 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and $7 for children. FAMU students with a valid FAMU ID have free admission. Subsequent showings will be Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. There will also be discounted preview showings on tonight and Thursday at 8 p.m., with the tickets priced at $5.