In 1982 the play was adapted for television on PBS station WNET-TV, as part of the American Playhouse.[33] The adaptation, directed by Oz Scott, was seen as a serious departure from the Broadway production.[34] A review by The New York Times states: "What Miss Shange prefers to call a choreopoem has been expanded into realistic settings that too often resemble the sanitized atmosphere of an episode of Good Times. The net result has been a considerable reduction in the work's emotional impact."[33] As a result, the televised production is often seen as a diluted version of the original choreopoem.
Cast
- Sarita Allen: Sechitaa
- Trazana Beverley: Crystal (credited as Trazana Beverly)
- Laurie Carlos: Georgetta
- Gregory T. Daniel: Toussaint
- Jackie Davis: Second Man in Subway
- Pedro De Pool: Emcee
- Lisa Henley: Naomi
- Roger Hill: Second Man at Barbecue
- Brent Jennings: First Man at Barbecue
- Charles Johnson: Boy in Subway
- Oliver Lake: Flute Player
- Jack Landron: Bedroom Companion
- Crystal Lilly: Sarah
- Carol Maillard: Lu Anne (as Carol L. Maillard)
- Ntozake Shange: Woman with baby girl/Lady in Brown
- Alfre Woodard
- Lynn Whitfield
