Shange’s Choreopoem:Polyphony in Dramatic Form in ‘For Colored Girls and Spell#7

A black feminist playwright whose theatrical expression derives itself from the African tradition of story-telling, rhythm, physical movement and emotional catharsis, Ntozake Shange carved for herself a permanent and classic place in American theater history. She has successfully broadened and redefined American theater to include the choreopoem as an acceptable, legitimate dramatic form. Not only did she popularize the choreopoem but she brought to American theater an art that is undeniably African. Shange’s choreopoem like African theater, is comprised of chants, poetry, dance and rituals.