Lionsgate announced today that it has acquired worldwide rights to a planned screen version of the award-winning play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf."
The studio acquired worldwide rights to the 1975 stage play by Ntozake Shange, and the adapted screenplay written by Nzingha Stewart, who will direct the film. No cast has been set.
The play, actually a series of 20 "poems" performed by a cast of women, was produced Off-Broadway in 1976, later moving to Broadway’s Booth Theatre that same year. "For Colored Girls" won the Tony for best play in 1977.
An American Playhouse version of the play was made in 1982 starring Lynn Whitfield and Alfre Woodard. "For Colored Girls" was notable for bringing a female, black perspective to the stage.
Stewart’s credits include the 2005 "The Marriage Counselor," starring Nia Danielle and Stephanie Ferrett.
According to the studio, "the acquisition reflects Lionsgate’s leadership role in producing and distributing a diverse roster of motion pictures about black characters," in particular the Tyler Perry franchise.
