flea bite". The entire monologue affirms the identity of herself in humor, trivia, and pain, externaliz. ing the evil that threatenes to reduce a Black woman into a self-destructive, uncertain shadow of herself. The world, however, has not changed as substantially as the colored lady has. The aggressions of rape, illegal abortions, child abuse, assault and homicide still can devastate the Black woman and dangle suicide as an ever-present possibility in her mind. Beau Willie is introduced as the archetypal ghetto superstud who fails socially and financially, scapegoating his woman Crystal with all of the wrath he feels against society's oppression. Beau Willie kills Crystal's children by dropping them from a fifth story window when he wants her to shout to all the neighbors that she'll marry him: "but i cd only whisper/& he dropped em.'

What quickly follows is "a laying on of hands, whereby all the dancers participate in the ritualized custom of blessing, and confirming, and ordaining through physical touch. Mourning Crystal becomes all searching Black women "missin somethin,' almost ready to jump outta my bones and be done with myself." But the laying on of hands helps a woman regain the "holiness of myself released" as

the sun wrapped me up swingin rose light

evrywhere

the sky laid over me like a million men

i waz cold/i waz burnin up/a child

& endlessly weavin garments for the moon wit my tears

i found god in myself

& i loved her/i loved her fiercely

For Colored Girls' organic shape and its regard for emotional process as a critical part of dramatic unity exemplifies women's values, part of all of our "stuff" that belongs to us because we found them first and found them important for our survival. Fighting against sexist stereotypes, limited role models, self-hatred, and lack of control over our lives are tasks' chosen by White women as well. Perhaps this play will help both Black and White women to focus on their similarities and common strengths.

What are the gifts, however, given especially to "colored girls," for whom this play was named? The message of acceptance and trust among Black sisters comes as a promise, but only through a process of discovery, self-reflection, and painful effort. How likely is it that these psychological resources are accessible to inner city women? The play presupposes that poor, Black women have the priorities of time and energy for bourgeois preoccupations with introspection, therapy, and selffulfillment.

In some ways Notzake Shange appears to be a poet unique in her ability to capture and express the creative energy and talents of Black women's culture and herstory. She offers a realistic choice to Black middle-class women but forgets that such an option may elude a culturally insulted and financially controlled inner city woman. This forgetfulness may arise from the poet's own privileged background. Why was the transition from Crystals's tragedy to the celebration so slick and easy?

For Colored Girls does not clarify and emphasize the primary culprit in this oppressive puzzle: the ruling class. Black men are victims, too. It is unfortunate that liberation for Black women is discussed at the cost of reinforcing Black male stereotypes. But as one passionate anti-patriarchal anarchist defiantly commented: "The Black male may be poor, but he's a prick, too!" For now, yes, Beau Wilie is a prick. But is that all there is to say? For colored girls?

--by Carol Epstein

WHATS

HAPPENING

The Reproductive Freedom Coalition invites you to participate in the commemoration of the Fifty Anniversary of the Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion and to recognize theHon. Louis Stokes for his stand in Congress in defense of the equal access to abortion for poor women. Stokes will be the Keynote Speaker at an Austerity Dinner January 21, 1978 at the Park Plaza Hotel, 2065 East 96th Street. All proceeds will be used to establish a Medical Welfare Fund to provide abortions for poor women. Student $5.50, Regular $10.00, Patron $25.00. Checks should be made payable to Planned Parenthood of Cleveland and mailed to Medical Welfare Fund, 2027 Cornell Road, Cleveland, Ohlo 4410S.

An Ecumenical Service in recognition of the American women and families who have needlessly suffered as a result of legislation denying equal access to a safe legal abortion will be held at Trinity Cathedral, January 22, 2:00 p.m.

A wide range of new classes in art, drama, dance, music, photography and film are offered by the Jewish Community Center Cultural Arts Department, 3505 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights. Theater and film classes include Musical Theater Technique, taught by Providence Hollander, star of "Jacques Brel" at the Palace Theater; Film, From the Beginning to Sound, taught by former TV show host and dritic Stu Levin; and Stagecraft, taught by Jewish Community Center designer and technical director Dale Meisness.

Art and Photography courses inclue "Fabric Painting With Dyes and Soft Sculpture Workshop", taught by Phyllis Brody: Creative Photography, taught by Steve Zorc; Gallerytours, an active experience in environmental arts led by Charlotte Cowan; and "Batik", taught by Ginny Anderson.

In the dance and music areas, Tap Dancing will be taught by Lauren Goldhamer; the Study and performance of Chamber Music will be taught by Harry Davidson; Cleveland Opera Guide an audience and study course, will be led by Tim Tavcar, and the Performing Jazz Workshop will be led by Ben Bauer.

For more information call the JCC Cultural Arts office at 382-4000, Ext. 274, or pick up a copy of the Spring Brochure at the JCC.

Food Communities Co-op is looking for a part-time cashier. Person will work when Co-op is open: 28 hrs/wk. Job involves a variety of tasks as well as cashiering. Will train. If Interested call Co-op any Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday: 721-3047

"The Little Foxes," by Lillian Hellman, will be performed at the Playhouse, drury Theatre, January 20-February 18,

Anyone interested in organizing a March for International Womens Day contact Pat, 791-0311.

Breaking Tradition? The Cleveland Police Department has its first woman platoon commander in 111 years. Capt. Vialet E. Novak was quoted by the Plain Dealer, January 13, 1978: "I'm not for women's liberation. I am a World War II Marine. I have done a man's job during the war and I don't feel I have to be liberated by anyone."

Sweet Honey in the Rock will perform in Athens, Ohlo on Friday.. February 17, at the First Methodist Church, 2 South College St., Athens, at 8:30 p.m. Tickets will be $2.50. This talented group of 4 Black women combine their talents as singers, songwriters, and collectors to make a dynamic musical statement on the Black American experience. Their repertoire runs an exciting span from children's game songs and prison songs of the rural South, through Gospel and blues, to Black women lovesongs and sociopolitical statements of today.

For further information contact the Athens Women's Collective at 18 North College Street, Athens, Ohio 45701, or phone (614) 593-7301.

Sip & Filp will take place on Wednesday, February 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at WomenSpace. Jeanne Albers, Cleveland poet and publisher of her own book, Dear Friend, will talk about publishing a book.

There will be a meeting to set up a network for distribution of organic produce in communities of NE Ohio. Everyone welcome. January 22, 2 pm, Survival Center, Ravenna, Ohio. For further info and map, call 581-3037.

Tony Morrison, who grew up in Lorain, Ohio, has won the 1977 National Book Critics Circle Award for her "Song of Solomon,"

a book, based on the memories of her greatgrandmother, an exslave and an archetypically proud and strong woman.

Cynthia Gregory, America's Greatest Ballerina, will dance with the Cleveland Ballet January 20-22 and January 26-28. Tickets may be purchased at the Hanna Box Office, Ballet Box Office, or Ticketron

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What She Wants/January. 1978/page 15