An early look at Tyler Perry's 'For Colored Girls'

Tyler Perry has adapted a number of his stage plays for the big screen, amassing an enormous fan base and making a fortune in the process. For his latest movie project, however, he has broken with past practice and turned to the work of another playwright.

"For Colored Girls," which opens in the U.S. in November, is adapted from the acclaimed play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" by Ntozake Shange. The drama was produced in Berkeley and then off-Broadway, winning the 1975 Obie Award. It later transferred to Broadway, where it ran at the Booth Theater for more than 700 performances and received a Tony nomination for best play.

Perry's film version stars Janet Jackson, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine and Whoopi Goldberg.

Lionsgate, the U.S. distributor, has released the movie's trailer, which you can view in the video above.

-- David Ng

Photo: Tyler Perry. Credit: Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images

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Comments

[Noah]

Why isn't there a women director? fail.

[Alisha]

try and remain optimistic. I am. I cant wait to see how these character interact with each other. Its such a bold move on Mr. Perry's part. He's helping make "For Colored Girls" accessible for a world-wide audience. I think it's so important, especially if he's kept most of the original plot from the Choreopoem- this story must be told. If Precious made Sapphire an household name then Ntozake Shange will soon be one as well- even though she should already be!!!

[Nikki]

Tyler Perry will screw this up.

[T]

Movie looks goods. I want to see it. There's something rich and deep about it.

[Taylynn]

All of us need someone to lean on when our burdens get to heavy to bare. Everyone wants to be in love Forever no matter what comes our way in life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkGjjVeN-pc

[Mitchell]

The play was huge success and I was dissapointed that throughout all those years it ran I never had enough money to go see it on Broadway. The people that I knew who did see it raved so much and bragged about seeing the play; now, all these years later Tyler is allowing this play to come to life and I'm glad I can see it and actually afford to see it...LOL. I love Janet's hairdo and of course she always look good in one of her favorite colors "red" I'm glad to see her rocking that again. The trailer and music is great and I love that Whoopie role in the movie and of course I'm a big fan of Thandie, Loretta Devine, Kerry Washington, Macy Gray, Phylicia Rashad and my two girls Kimberly Elise and Anika Rose. Tyler, the haters will comment negatively because they are just plain jealous, but than again, who cares. I'm so glad you learned to expect that in this business.

[faith p.]

I'm really looking forward to this film. I saw the play many years ago and it made a lasting impression. Mr. Perry has tackled a big job and I wish him well with it.

[kimberley porter]

Tyler just keep doing what you are doing and what you are being lead to do. This is a complex story that needs to be told on film. This is the only way some us us will see it and understand it. We will hold service tommorrow but will all sitting there hear and understand keep keeping on my brother

[1 love]

According to the logic of oppression, it’s better to be White than Black and better to be male than female. Where does this leave woman of African descent?? Please think critically about this for a moment.

Women gained the right to vote in America in 1920, Blacks gained the right to vote in 1966, during the formation of the United States constitution, Blacks were considered “three fifths” of a person.

It’s important that we focus on the “MESSAGE” that Tyler Perry is trying to convey and not get caught up in the actresses, clothes, etc. Being Black and a woman in America does present barriers. It’s sometimes difficult to decipher when racism ends and sexism begins AND it matters not how much money one has. Tyler Perry is simply telling the story of a group women whose voices have been HISTORICALLY IGNORED in both social science research and in Hollywood. The media saturates ALL OF US with messages. Subconsciously, even the most well intending person can buy into them.

I’d be just as excited to see a movie about Afghanistan women. Please allow people’s stories to be told without making everything about race. There’s something powerful and empowering about knowing, respecting and understanding each other’s "lived" experiences. This monocultural eurocentric way of viewing the world is truly for the "unconscious" in our society. By the year 2020 persons of color will be the majority in America.
Thus, we are living in a MULTI CULTURAL society. Cultural norms and experiences will vary by culture and there's nothing wrong or abnormal about that. Being conscious is a beautiful thing.

My best to Tyler and the For Colored Girls cast. My prayer is that everything that he touches turn to gold and that my brothers and sisters (of all ethnic groups) around the globe seek a greater understanding of eachother.

Tyler Perry, be not afraid for God is always with you. He orders your steps and knows what he created you to do. All of those that seek to unjustly do harm, may the curse be reversed. Thank you for giving women of color a voice.

P.S. Leona's song for the movie is awesome!

[AVA]

The original production of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow is Enuf has been out on DVD for years and is available for purchase from www.kultur.com, Item# D2607 SRP: $24.99

The DVD Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf Staring Alfre Woodard, Lynn Whitfield and Ntozake Shange is now available on DVD.

Oscar Nominee and Emmy-Winner Alfre Woodard and Lynn Whitfield celebrate in song, poetry and dance their strength, beauty and enormous capacity for love. This Explosive, vivid “choreopoem” illuminates the story and struggle of black women in America. The seven women comprising the cast, including author Ntozake Shange , share with the viewer their exuberance for life and their ability to begin again, no matter how ridiculous the odds

“A play that should be seen, savored and treasured” The New York Times

[CLARA CRAWFORD]

MY AMPUTEE,GRANDMOTHER HAVE THAT BOOK NOW FOR COLORED GIRL.SHE HAD IT SEND 1988 AND SHE SAID IT GOING BE A GOOD MOVIE.AND THE BOOK IS GOOD TO.