Black Girl (play)

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Black Girl
Written byJ. E. Franklin
Date premieredJune 17, 1971
Place premieredTheatre de Lys
New York City
Original languageEnglish
GenreDrama

Black Girl is a play by American playwright J. E. Franklin. It was first produced on public television in 1969, followed by an off-Broadway production in 1971. It was later adapted by the playwright as a feature film that was released the following year.

Plot synopsis[edit]

A family drama about a young woman who defies the low expectations thrust upon her and pursues her dream of becoming a dancer.

Television production[edit]

Produced by WGBH, Boston in 1969.[1] The teleplay featured Yvette Franklin, Joan Sandler, Barbara Griffith, and Judy Mills.

Original Off-Broadway production[edit]

Cast[edit]

  • Arthur French - Earl
  • Minnie Gentry - Mu'Dear
  • Leslie Uggams - Netta
  • Louise Stubbs - Mama Rosie
  • Kishasha - Billie Jean
  • Gloria Edwards - Norma
  • Loretta Greene - Ruth Ann
  • Stacey Durant - Sheryl
  • Troy Warren - Little Earl
  • Jimmy Hayeson - Mr. Herbert

Feature film[edit]

  • Directed by Ossie Davis
  • Producer: Lee Savin
  • Executive Producer: Robert Greenberg
  • Distributed by Cinerama Releasing Corporation
  • Opened: November 9, 1972 in New York City[4]

Cast[edit]

Other productions[edit]

The New Federal Theatre produced a revival of the play during its 1995–96 season. This production was staged by Anderson Johnson.[3]

On Thursday, May 21, 2009, Black Girl was presented by Legros Cultural Arts in New York City.[5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Peterson Jr. (Ed.), Bernard L. (1988). Contemporary Black American Playwrights and Their Plays: A Biographical Directory and Dramatic Index (First ed.). New York, Westport, Connecticut & London: Greenwood Press. pp. 175–1977. ISBN 0-313-25190-8.
  2. ^ "Black Girl". New York City: Lortel Archives:Internet off-Broadway Database. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  3. ^ a b King, Woodie (2003). The Impact of Race: Theatre and Culture (First ed.). New York: Applause Theatre & Cinema Books. pp. 249, 255. ISBN 1-55783-579-9.
  4. ^ "Black Girl". United States: Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  5. ^ "Black Girl Opening Night May 21, 2009". United States: Legros Cultural Arts. Archived from the original on 2010-12-04. Retrieved 2009-12-03.

External links[edit]