In honor of Black History Month the Bakersfield Community Theatre presented the Tony Award winning play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” by Ntozake Shange.

“For Colored Girls” was written in 1975 and was first performed in Berkeley, California.

It deals with controversial issues affecting women such as drug usage, abortion and HIV.

Seven women from different backgrounds perform a series of poems that describe issues that can affect any woman.

The play is an inspirational message to women to find the courage within themselves to rise up during hard times.

Tyler Perry made the play into a film in 2010.  While the film was good, the play is quite different.  The film suggests that the problems only affect a small group of women at an apartment building.

The play spreads the women throughout the country and gives the audience a sense that these issues affect more women than we think.  Also, the play includes poems and stories that were not included in the film.

The producer Tomeka Powell said that they chose to do this play as a way to celebrate Black History Month and because of this play’s message.

“It’s not just for one group because these problems can happen if you’re black or white,” said Powell.  The play serves as an inspiration for women of all backgrounds.

It tells women to never accept the disrespect of a man and they can triumph over any obstacles set in their path.

In the end of the play, the women find gods within themselves and learn to love themselves for who they are.

The play will be run at the Bakersfield Community Theatre until Feb. 25.