September 27, 2016
Beginning Oct. 1, the exhibition "i found god in myself: the 40 anniversary of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls" will be on display at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), as part of the museum's 40th-anniversary celebration.
Shange's first work "For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is Enuf" is also widely considered her best known and most influential.
The 1970s work was described by Shange as a "choreopoem," since it combines 20 poems with dance moves and music. The poem was then turned into a Broadway play and has since been adapted for the silver screen.
In the AAMP exhibit honoring Shange, 20 commissioned artworks by nationally acclaimed artists (including Renee Cox, Rafia Santana, Pamela Council, Alexandria Smith and Danny Simmons) will be on display.
Each work highlights issues impacting the lives of women of color, touching on themes in Shange's poems like sexuality, race, sisterhood, violence and self-love. The exhibition will also include archival material that highlights the creation and evolution of the original text.
The title of the exhibit, "i found god in myself," comes from the last line of the choreopoem.
While the exhibit opens Oct. 1, the opening reception will take place Oct. 6. It's free to attend, but registration is required. This event will include a wine and cheese reception and performances by local artists.
The exhibit will run through Jan. 2, 2017, and is included in museum admission.
Thursday, Oct. 6
6-9 p.m. | Free with registration
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch St.
(215) 574-0380
