For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf (1982, TV Movie)

"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" (1982) was a Broadway play aired on PBS and originally premiered in 1976 as a theatre piece by the playwriter Ntozake Shange. The stageplay's style is a "choreopoem," a form of dramatic expression combining poetry, dance, music, and song. Shange tells the story of several black women's experiences in a world where they must deal with many adversities while understanding their inner selves. Each monologue is unique for the women's expressing their truths. Some topics include maternity, sexuality, abortion, abuse, trauma, love, relationships, and sisterhood.

The play stars an incredible cast of actresses, which include Ntozake Shange, Lynn Whitfield, Alfred Woodard, Carol Maillard, Crystal Lilly, Laurie Carlos, and Trazana Beverley. At the time, most of these actresses were primarily in theatre. Woodard was the only one of the few with previous experience in film and television.

Overall this film offers an emotional experience of tough topics are many black women experience worldwide. 

Director: Oz Scott

Writer: Ntozake Shange

Starring Ntozake Shange, Lynn Whitfield, Alfred Woodard, Carol Maillard, Crystal Lilly, Laurie Carlos, Trazana Beverley, Roger Hill, Sarita Allen, Gregory T. Daniel, Charles Weldon, Brent Jennings

Storyline

This explosive, vivid "choreopoem" illuminates the story and struggle of black women in America. The seven women share their exuberance for life and their ability to begin again, no matter how ridiculous the odds.

When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Skate (1979, TV Movie)

Starring:

• Cleavant Derricks
• Lynne Thigpen
• Clinton Derricks-Carroll
• Brenda Braxton
• Lynne Clifton-Allen
• Marilyn Winbush
• Reginald VelJohnson
• Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter

Storyline
This lively, spirit-lifting musical celebrates the sheer joy and survival of black music, song, and poetry since the days of America's Civil War. With utter grace and ease, the gifted eight-member singing ensemble glides from gospel to disco and from slave quarter sermons to contemporary black poetry.