For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf (Broadway Theatre Archive)

Starring:Trazana Beverley, Alfre Woodard, Lynn Whitfield, Crystal Lilly, Ntozake Shange, Patti LaBelle, Laurie Carlos, Carol Maillard, Sarita Allen
Director: Oz Scott
Studio: Kultur Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video
This video, from the Broadway Theater Archive of PBS's New York affiliate, WNET, offers an imaginative, if occasionally heavy-handed, television adaptation of Ntozake Shange's poetic theater piece. Originally staged at the Public Theater in New York, this 1982 production is directed by Oz Scott, who transforms what were a series of feminine monologues about the black woman's struggle to find her place in a man's world. What Shange's language conjures by itself onstage, Scott helps visualize on video, a proposition that misses as often as it hits. Language about boyfriends isn't made clearer or more vital by showing us who's being talked about. But the overproduction can't strip Shange's language of its juicy richness--and it is offered with power and humor by a cast that includes then-fledgling actresses Lynn Whitfield and Alfre Woodard as well as Shange herself. --Marshall Fine
Description
The history of black women in America: having emigrated on a purely involuntary basis, they became slaves to white America and nurturers to white America's offspring. They were rewarded by being the last Americans given the right to vote. This explosive, vivid "choreopoem" illuminates the story of black women in America as they celebrate in song, poetry and dance their strength, beauty and enormous capacity for love. The seven women comprising the cast, including author Ntozake Shange, share with the viewer their exuberance for life and their ability to begin again, no matter how ridiculous the odds. "A play that should be seen, savored and treasured." --The New York Times. With Alfre Woodard, Ntozake Shange, and Lynn Whitfield.

Average customer rating:

Not true to the written play

Now I see what all the fuss was about !

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is Enuf

The search is over....

An incredible piece of artistry...

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf (Broadway Theatre Archive)
Starring: Trazana Beverley , Alfre Woodard , Lynn Whitfield , Crystal Lilly , and Ntozake Shange
Director: Oz Scott
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000067IYK
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Amazon.com essential video

This video, from the Broadway Theater Archive of PBS's New York affiliate, WNET, offers an imaginative, if occasionally heavy-handed, television adaptation of Ntozake Shange's poetic theater piece. Originally staged at the Public Theater in New York, this 1982 production is directed by Oz Scott, who transforms what were a series of feminine monologues about the black woman's struggle to find her place in a man's world. What Shange's language conjures by itself onstage, Scott helps visualize on video, a proposition that misses as often as it hits. Language about boyfriends isn't made clearer or more vital by showing us who's being talked about. But the overproduction can't strip Shange's language of its juicy richness--and it is offered with power and humor by a cast that includes then-fledgling actresses Lynn Whitfield and Alfre Woodard as well as Shange herself. --Marshall Fine

Description

The history of black women in America: having emigrated on a purely involuntary basis, they became slaves to white America and nurturers to white America's offspring. They were rewarded by being the last Americans given the right to vote. This explosive, vivid "choreopoem" illuminates the story of black women in America as they celebrate in song, poetry and dance their strength, beauty and enormous capacity for love. The seven women comprising the cast, including author Ntozake Shange, share with the viewer their exuberance for life and their ability to begin again, no matter how ridiculous the odds. "A play that should be seen, savored and treasured." --The New York Times. With Alfre Woodard, Ntozake Shange, and Lynn Whitfield.

Customer Reviews:

Not true to the written play.......2007-03-31

The performances in this are spectacular. Shange's poetry comes alive.

However, there are two problems I have with this. First, is that one of the poems is left out entirely (latent rapist). Second, they have men in the film that speak some of the words. I think the power of "for colored girls" comes from the words only coming from women, since this play is for girls from women's mouths.

Still an amazing piece of artistry, and better than not seeing it live at all.

Now I see what all the fuss was about !.......2006-04-23

Great work! I have heard parts of this play through out the years- but I was not expecting to see or hear-what I heard and what I saw on this dvd. It is off the chain! If you want to see real black talent- check it out! Also big props to Lynn Whitfield (damn- she is too sexy in this short skirt and midriff blouse- walking down the street- and giving it up real- This women can act and has great command of the stage (also see her work in "Zora is my name!"-another tour deforce- for above the board talent- regardless of the color of the production! & a big shout out to Mrs.Ruby Dee). Ms. Woodard is one of the main reasons why I purchased this dvd - I wanted to view her earlier work and she is up in here-giving it up! In one scene- this dark beauty is sitting in a chair with a night gown on-trying to make sure those legs stay crossed. lol
In my book-Alfre is one the greatest actors in the world- and she still hasn't gotten her props. This woman has a great body of work and she can ACT! All of the actors in this project come through with flying colors, and I really enjoyed watching this dvd. Also the writing is very, very tight. Playwriting at its best. Now I see what all the fuss was about! Talent up the Ying yang.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is Enuf.......2006-02-26

Like a previous reviewer, I too searched for a copy of this tele-play for years until on a whim, I search Amazon and viola!! - bought it!

I remember seeing the teleplay on PBS so many years ago and the memories of the performances of all of the ladies but especially the young & talented future stars - Alfre Woodard & Lynn Whitfield.

Having read the novel first, I was impressed by the way the stories were brought to life in front of my eyes and I loved how the first "poem" was translated to song and sung by the equally magnificent, Patti LaBelle.

I'd highly recommend this to fans of not only the aforementioned actresses but also of the works of Ntozake Shange.

The search is over...........2004-05-06

I have been looking for this video for at least 10 years! I gave up a few years ago. I was just doing a random search and I can't believe it's been on Amazon all this time! There are no words to describe this play. The older I get, each poem takes on a new and deeper meaning. I am overjoyed to own a copy of this extraordinary work.

An incredible piece of artistry..........2001-10-23

I had the distinct pleasure of actually viewing this work while it was on Broadway. It was presented with such grace and impressionism that the messages contained therein have remained lucid in my mind for over 20 years. I was a mere teen at the time, and in early adulthood, I finally read the book. I can remember my Mom reading it after me and remarking how if she'd known the language was so strong, she may not have allowed me to see it at the theatre. However, it has been my experience that strong individuals have to use only the strongest and effective means when communicating "the" message. Although I have not yet viewed the video, I am sure that the focus couldn't have diminished much from it's origin as impeccable works of art only get better with time. Hats off to Sister Shange for keeping it real...even way back then!!

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