Jasmine Guy knows, 'there's no place like home!'

LEFT TO RIGHT- TOP ROW:
orange - Terry Burrell, red- Crystal Fox, green- Nevania Rhodes,
blue/white- Omelika the drummer, Standing - Jasmine Guy as Director
and Choreographer

LEFT TO RIGHT -BOTTOM ROW:
white - Erica T. Jones (understudy), yellow- Danielle Deadwyler,
blue- Yakini Horn, purple- Chinai Hardy

There is no escaping the incomparable talent that the city of Atlanta produces in music, fashion, film and stage. Atlanta natives stand out among many of the best and brightest personalities in the industy. Atlanta's own stage and screen gem, Jasmine Guy, excitedly returns home for the biggest role of her career; director.

How does it feel to be back in Atlanta?
It feels great! I've enjoyed myself so much that it almost makes me not want to go back to LA. I'd love to stay and become a part of Atlanta's new movement.

What's your favorite place to stay while you're in the city?
At home with my dad!

What type of great Southern food have you been enjoying during your visit?
Fried! (laughs)

How did your upbringing in Atlanta prepare you for the industry?
When I moved to New York at 17, I was well trained to work there. I attribute my preparation to the steps that I took here. My dance training started at Spelman College and from there I studied with the Atlanta Ballet and I graduated from Northside School of the Arts. I wasn't a country bumpkin!

What made you bring your production of "For Colored Girls.." to Atlanta?
I knew it was time to give back to the city that taught me. It was also important that my directorial debut happen in Atlanta because of the love and support that I always get here.

What attracted you to "For Colored Girls..?"
It's the perfect fit for me. I love the words, messages and sisterhood. I love the movement and singing throughout the piece. Most importantly, the message shows the way African-Americans communicate as a culture. Overall, it shows different colors of pain, struggle and celebration.

How has it been working with local talent?
I'm so proud that this cast is from Atlanta; they're wonderful! The women of this cast have given me such an amazing artistic experience. This is Atlanta talent at its best! I would love for this cast to travel with the production.

What message would you give to the MetroMix audience about "For Colored Girls..?"
It's a must see! The themes of this piece may be specific to the African-American race and women, but they are universal themes overall. The piece explores pain, abandonment, joy, loss and victory. It's like peaking into a world that you may not necessarily know about and being excited about what you find. On top of that, if you are into theater life and talent in general, you come for those reasons and leave with so much more! It's really cool!

Do you prefer stage or screen?
My performance base is in theatre, but dancing is genuinely my first love. I use these platforms in any medium of performance.

"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf" is playing at the 14th Street Playhouse through August 31.