The award-winning play 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf' opens tonight.

African American Ntozake Shange wrote it based on experiences following a short-lived college marriage. The company will perform the play at Ruth Seaton James under the direction of Pat Pogson Nesbitt.

"We want every woman on the Island to take this weekend to celebrate their personal worth as they raise their children, take care of their men, do the chores, work two or three jobs – then take care of themselves," she said. "We want them to put themselves first for a change. Get your sister friends together and come and celebrate you."

Rhonda Daniels, Nishanthi Bailey, Melody Albouy, Michelle Laylor, Shoa Bean, Candace Furbert, Ty'esha Oswald and Gina Davis comprise the cast. Each plays a character identified only as a colour.

The play follows a journey – childhood, love and life from a female's perspective.

There is some audience participation. Patrons are asked to bring their favourite rainbow-coloured cloth, and join in the fun. "The rainbow [represents] the variety of emotions that we experience as we are faced with day-to-day existence," Mrs. Nesbitt said. "It represents the essence of our lives. At the end of the day, we recognise that there is happiness, success and fulfilment and that is where that pot of gold exists. We discover it when we conquer challenges, and when we achieve goals, and when we recognise and begin to understand the mystery of life. All of the women demonstrate that they can remain beautiful in spite of what life throws at them."

General admission is $40. Patrons' tickets are $70. Tickets are available at True Reflections, Heritage Bookstore, VIBE and Eru A'Tile. Showtime is Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.