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The River Niger

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  4w, 9m

Joseph A. Walker

Winner of the 1973 Tony Award for Best Play, The River Niger, originally presented by the Negro Ensemble Company, is a surging drama about a Harlem family facing unrest when their son returns from the Air Force.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 9m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! Three 1973 Tony Awards, including Best Play
    Winner, 1973 Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Playwright

Details

Summary
Originally performed by the Negro Ensemble Company and winner of the Obie and later the Tony Award as Best Play of the season, The River Niger is a surging drama about a Harlem family whose son returns from the Air Force not the hero anticipated. His association with a militant group abroad has been infiltrated by a police informer who brings the unrest of South Africa to their door.
History
The River Niger opened on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on March 27, 1973. Directed by Douglas Turner Ward, the production featured Ward, Roxie Roker, Frances Foster and Les Roberts.
Cast Attributes

Johnny Williams – 50s, an alive poet
Mattie Williams – 50s, an embittered but happy woman
Grandma Wilhelmina Brown – 83, very alive, Mattie’s mother
Dr. Dudley Stanton – 50s, cynical, classic Jamaican, lover of poetry
Jeff Williams – 25, Johnny’s son, thoughtful, wild, a credit to his father
Ann Vanderguild – 22, strong Black South African girl, lover of quality
Mo – 24, young Black leader of underlying beauty and integrity
Gail – Mo’s girl, lovable supportive spirit

Mo’s Men:
Chips – Sexually perverted, a young fool
Al – Closeted homosexual, capable, determined, very young
Skeeter – Basically good, but hung up on dope

Lt. Staples – Police officer (voice only)
Bass Player – Highly skillful at creating a mood (not seen), provides musical poetry for the play

  • Time Period 1970s
  • Setting The Williams' brownstone on 133rd St. in Harlem, NYC. Early February, 1973.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“The best American play of the season! Brooding, compassionate and luminous.” – Bergen Record

“A drama of considerable power.” – New York Post

“Eloquently scripted... Joseph A. Walker's 1972 drama paved the way for a new generation of black theater -- critical, confrontational and unapologetic.” – Los Angeles Times

“Leaves you with the impression that you've been inside a real, living situation, in which real people struggle, hope, win, lose, die and live. The best American play of the season! Brooding, compassionate and luminous.” – Bergen Record

The River Niger is big, wide and deep... It is a testimony to man's unending fight for survival.” – New York Times

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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Authors

Author

Joseph A. Walker

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