opens at the City Hall Theatre next week.

The three-act drama, presented by Healing Stage Productions, focuses on the lasting friendship of four adult women who have known each other since high school.

"I am very, very excited about the production of which I feel will have a profound effect on a large proportion of the community," said Denise Whitter, who plays the lead character, Deborah, and is the show's producer.

"As breast cancer and alcoholism are so prevalent in our small society, I doubt that there are few who have not been affected by their wrath in one way or another. It should be noted that the play is NOT in any way a 'downer'. It is actually a very light-hearted and funny piece which has a few very serious moments in it, but for the most part it is extremely upbeat.

"Even though it's called the play is not about hair specifically. It does talk about how conflicts arise out of hairstyle choices women make. Every character has a different hairstyle. Hair is such a big thing for women ? particularly for black women because we go through so much drama straightening and curling ? and a lot of that conflict is shown in the play."

Written by Janice Liddell, director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Clark Atlanta University and a professor of English with a focus in Africana literature, the play deals with the struggles the friends face as they reunite to celebrate the 40th birthday of Carmen ? played by Eugenia Dean ? and 'sister' her through the advanced stages of breast cancer.

"This is a new departure for Healing Stage," Ms Whitter added. "Last year, for our premier event we brought in an international speaker/thespian who spoke on violence against women. This year's dramatic production is on a much larger scale, utilising local actors and securing corporate sponsorship.

"I will try to continue to raise the bar every year with events that bring to the forefront issues that affect our community ? women's issues particularly.

"There are no men in the play, however they are spoken of. The play is mainly about the 'sisterhood'. (It) highlights some very serious issues surrounding cancer ? the physical consequences of chemotherapy, the emotional roller-coaster ride that the cancer patient often endures, and the varied reactions of family and friends to the possibility of losing a loved one. This is a very powerful and dramatic production that should not be missed."

Patricia Nesbitt serves as the play's director and will also appear on stage with Laurel Burns, Denniqua Burrows, Marlene Somner, Darlene Symonds, Ms Whitter and Ms Dean. Part proceeds will go to the Bermuda TB Cancer & Health Association.

runs at the City Hall Theatre, from Thursday, March 4 through Saturday, March 6 at 7.30 p.m., and Sunday, March 7 at 4 p.m. Admission is $30. For more information, visit the web site, www.healingstage.com.