For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf - Alfre Woodard, Lynn Whitfield (1982)

Classic literature

Anyone who considers themselves to be a theatre aficionado should be familiar with this piece. This work never gets old, it's a wonderful presentation on the Black experience from a woman's perspective. Reading is great, seeing it is better. If you're a Black actress, it should unquestionably be on your shelf. April 5, 2008

Not true to the written play

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. March 31, 2007

Now I see what all the fuss was about !

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. April 23, 2006

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

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. February 25, 2006

The search is over....

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. May 6, 2004

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