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True Colors Tackles Colorism, Body Shaming in Comedic Hit ‘School Girls’ Opening Feb. 11

Jocelyn Bioh’s comedic hit School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play is headed to Southwest Arts Center. The True Colors Theatre Company production is directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and will run Feb. 11 through Mar. 8.

This production follows a clique of young students at an exclusive Ghanaian boarding school at the start of the 1986 school year. Paulina, reigning queen bee of the group, has her sights set on winning the Miss Ghana Pageant and ultimately, the Miss Global Universe Pageant. Paulina prides herself on successfully shaming her friends over their weight, hair and status. When American transfer student Ericka arrives and begins to threaten Paulina’s position atop her hive-minded friends, the power struggle begins.

Colorism, classism, body shaming and more play a role in the skirmishes that ensue. Focusing on issues that teenagers face around the globe, School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play is a fearless comedy that confronts our concepts of self-esteem and beauty.

Inspired by the true story of a controversial past Miss Ghana pageant, School Girls made its 2017 debut Off-Broadway. It met with great reviews and was remounted for an extended run at MCC Theatre. In keeping with Artistic Director Jamil Jude’s goal of amplifying the voices of Black female artists this season, the production’s playwright, director, assistant director and cast are all Black women from the metro area.

All performances will be presented at the Southwest Arts Center, located at 915 New Hope Rd, South Fulton, Ga.  Tickets start at $20. Senior and school matinee performances are available.

As a bonus, True Colors has planned a cast talkback for Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. And discounted tickets are available for Daddy/Daughter Week Feb. 20-22 and Greek/HBCU Week Feb. 27-Mar. 1.

Photo Credit: True Colors Theatre Company

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