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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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
Product Description
This explosive, vivid "choreopoem" illuminates the story and struggle of black women in America. Starring Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Alfre Woodard and Lynn Whitfield.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By M. E. Kelly
Format:DVD
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.
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.
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
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.
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it.
After seeing the movie remake. I wanted to see the original play. I like it just S much as I like the movie.
Published 2 months ago by Sharyn Frasier
3.0 out of 5 stars
Original
I also saw Tyler Perry's rendition of this movie and it was really good. I think this play was before its time and i really enjoyed it.
Published 4 months ago by me
5.0 out of 5 stars
It was here all the time...
I checked a number of websites (including P.B.S.) before finding this telecast from the early 80's on Amazon. I was thrilled to watch it again and the delivery time was great. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Rogers in Philly
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
had wanted to see the original since I heard of the play. Amazing actors who are seasoned today are featured in this. Just as touching as the current film based after this.
Published 18 months ago by RenaBean
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST SEE/HAVE IN YOUR COLLECTION
I cannot discribe the overwhelming rush of emotion as I was able to identify with segments seeing my own life's experience as well as the experiences of my sisters portrayed by a... Read more
Published on March 16, 2011 by Quality and Value
5.0 out of 5 stars
Past and Present Reconnection
I originally saw the PBS version of this incredible Mistresspiece of a Poem on PBS. I have been familiar with this Poem since then. Read more
Published on February 27, 2011 by BR
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not true to the original
This TV version has been changed in a way that takes most of the poetry and meaning out of it. People who want to see what the original was like should look at Black Theater... Read more
Published on February 7, 2011 by Helen Gilbert
4.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat Satisify
This movie is about three girls rethinking their worst livelihood. The movie is excellent if you can relate to it. It took stead focus to understand some of it.
Published on January 20, 2011 by Well focus
5.0 out of 5 stars
For Colored Girl Who Have Contemplated Suicide When Chasing Rainbows...
I love this one mostly because I am a poetry lover and this is a long series of good poetry that is telling some very good stories in a series that is joined together at the end. Read more
Published on January 8, 2011
5.0 out of 5 stars
Viewing Broadway From Your Home
I saw the play in high school, then the PBS version on television and enjoyed both. Once the movie "For Colored Girls" was released I knew Tyler Perry probably ruined the story... Read more
Published on January 8, 2011 by Monique A. Gordon
