The River Niger

This article is about the play. For the film based on the play, see The River Niger (film). For the river in Africa, see Niger River.
The River Niger
Written byJoseph A. Walker
Date premieredDecember 5, 1972
Place premieredNegro Ensemble Company
St. Mark's Playhouse
New York City
Original languageEnglish
SubjectA black family in Harlem
GenreDrama
SettingHarlem, New York, present day

The River Niger is a play by Joseph A. Walker, first performed by New York City's Negro Ensemble Company off-Broadway in 1972.[1][2] The production made its Broadway debut with a transfer to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on March 27, 1973, for a run of 162 performances.

Critically acclaimed, The River Niger won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1974, and was adapted into a film starring James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson in 1976.[1][2]

Characters

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

Adaptations

Main article: The River Niger (film)

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

Awards and nominations

Awards

Nominations

References

  1. ^ a b Nesmith, Nathaniel G. (February 26, 2021). "Douglas Turner Ward, 90, pioneer in Black theater". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 18, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ a b Canby, Vincent (April 15, 1976). "'River Niger' a Screen Disappointment". The New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
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