The XX Chromosome Genome Project

A chapbook of excerpts, poems, and monologues from "The XX Chromosome Project," a multicultural choreopoem by

S. Ann Johnson

Written by S. Ann Johnson, “The XX Chromosome Genome Project” is a multicultural choreopoem that explores the cultural similarities and differences between American women through original spoken word poetry, monologues, song and dance.  Each character portrays a woman of a different ethnicity. Each ethnicity is symbolically referred to as a flavor based on origin, color, and characteristics.  Asian American is Lemon, African American is Chocolate, Mixed Heritage is White Chocolate, Native American or Indigenous is Cinnamon, Latina is Caramel, and Caucasian is Vanilla. 

Sherna’ Ann Johnson was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds a bachelor’s in journalism and a minor in business/liberal arts from Penn State University, and a master’s in professional writing (creative writing concentration) from Towson University.

In 2007, Johnson starred as “The Lady in Red” in the Penn State University No Refund Theater production of Ntozake Shange’s hit Broadway choreopoem “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.” Inspired by Shange’s powerful poetry, Johnson embarked on a 2-year journey to create a choreopoem of her own. She humbly considers “The XX Chromosome Genome Project” to be the “For Colored Girls . . .” of the 21^st century. 

“The XX Chromosome Genome Project” will be a part of the 2011 Philly Fringe Festival. 

The Actors Center

257 N. 3rd St.

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Show Dates

Saturday September 3rd @ 7:30

Sunday September 4th @ 7:30

Monday September 5th @7:30

Read poems from The XX Chromosome Genome Project!

 

Poems included in The XX Chromosome Genome Project

Subject Matter

Yellow Blaze

Blonde Dreams

My Roots are Showing

A Black Woman’s Hairstory

I Wish

The Truth about Beauty

Regaining Hegemony

If Love Could Pay the Bills

Sex

When a Black Man Smiles

Broken Hearted, Discarded

Momma, Leave Me Alone

You Don’t Know Me Like You Knew Me

Excerpt from B.A.S.T.A.R.D

Excerpt from B-More Girl, Living in a Be-Less World

Rosie

Dear Disco

Yes, We Can

Emancipation Proclamation (with stage directions)

Read Our Interview with S. Ann Johnson

For more about S. Ann visit her website:

www.SANNJOHNSON.info