Race, Gender And Class Take Center Stage In 'The Woman Of Colour: A Tale'

CHICAGO - June 1, 2022 - PRLog -- Ghostlight Ensemble will present its original adaptation of The Woman of Colour: A Tale – the story of a biracial heiress on her travels from Jamaica to England to marry as a condition of her father's will – in June at the Berger Park Cultural Center.

The play is part of Ghostlight's For Your (Re)Consideration, a staged reading series that explores the works of historically overlooked female writers.

Based on the novel of the same name, which was published anonymously in 1808, The Woman of Colour: A Tale is the story of Olivia Fairfield, the biracial protagonist and orphaned daughter of a slaveholder. She is forced to choose between marrying her white, first cousin or becoming dependent on a mercenary elder cousin. Through Olivia's letters, the audience is privy to not only the story of her life, but her impressions of Britain and its inhabitants as only a Black woman could record them. She gives scathing descriptions of London and the British people, as well as progressive critiques of race, racism and slavery.

Like the novel, Ghostlight's adaptation will explore the interconnections of race, gender and class, as well as examining cultural identity and colonial power.

The Woman of Colour: A Tale takes place 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Berger Park Cultural Center (6205 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago). A brief talkback will follow the reading. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested.

Find out more at http://www.GhostlightEnsemble.com.