The River Niger is a play by Joseph A. Walker, first performed by New York City's Negro Ensemble Company off-Broadway in 1972. The production made its Broadway debut with a transfer to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 27 March 1973 for a run of 162 performances. Titled after the West African river, The River Niger sits squarely with the African centered aspirations of the Black Arts Movement.

The River Niger
Written byJoseph A. Walker
Date premiered05 December 1972
Place premieredNegro Ensemble Company
St. Mark's Playhouse
New York City
Original languageEnglish
Subjecta son returns home not the hero and militant anticipated
GenreDrama
SettingHarlem, New York, present day

Characters

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  • Mattie Williams
  • Johnny Williams
  • Dr. Dudley Stanton
  • Jeff Williams
  • Ann Vanderguild
  • Big Moe Hayes
  • Al
  • Chips
  • Skeeter
  • Gail
  • Wilhelmina Brown

Adaptations

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The play was adapted by Walker for film in 1976, directed by Krishna Shah starring Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones.

Awards and nominations

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Awards

Nominations

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