Feminist troupe plans production at UT
6/6/2003A local theatre troupe composed of performers who use drama, music, and dance to empower women will present the production I Believe I Need to Talk! tonight and tomorrow in the Studio Theater of the University of Toledo Center for Performing Arts.
Da' Coloured Gurlz Collective, led by artistic director Pajil Wiggins, will present the play, which is described as an actualization and reclaiming of self through dance, video, and dramatic expression. It is directed by University of Toledo film professor Elspeth kydd.
The production will feature the troupe's spin-off groups Da' Othurz, a performance troupe that honors people living with the HIV virus and AIDS, and Da' BacndeDay (back in the day) Dancers. The troupe, which is supported by UT's department of women and gender studies, advises that some of its material is not suitable for children.
Da' Coloured Gurlz was awarded two grants by the Ohio Arts Council totaling $3,900 for this fiscal year.
The troupe's performers include Jamie Barlowe, Geneva Chapman, Nykijah Davis, Molly Dennis, Chelsea Gillespie, Carmen Gillespie, kydd, and Wiggins. Special guest appearances are by Bob Versteeg, Marlon Barbour, and Melvin Johnson. Set and costume design are by Diane Taylor.
The production is sponsored by the University of Toledo departments of theatre and film and women and gender studies, the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, and the Ohio Arts Council.
Tickets for “I Believe I Need to Talk!” are $10 and may be purchased in advance at the UT department of women and gender studies and at People Called Women bookstore, 3153 West Central Ave. Tickets also will be sold at the door. Information: 419-530-2233 or 419-530-4546.