Maya Angelou Film and Theater Collection

MS597

The Maya Angelou Film and Theater Collection documents the author and poet's extensive work in the performing arts. The collection contains materials relating to Angelou's work as a playwright, actor, director, screenwriter, interviewer, and documentary filmmaker. Formats include manuscript, print, audio, and video.

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Biographical and Historical Note

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents divorced when she was three years old, and she and her four-year-old brother Bailey were sent to live with their paternal grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. The children were eventually reunited with their mother in San Francisco, but Angelou returned to Stamps to live with her grandmother again as a teenager. Her only child, Guy Johnson, was born in 1944.

Angelou began her professional career as a singer, dancer, and actor. She performed in plays and muscials on and off-Broadway, and she traveled widely, touring Europe and Africa in the cast of Porgy and Bess. She was also active in the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1969 she published I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the first of her autobiographical works, for which she is best known. Angelou went on to publish more than 30 books of memoirs, as well as many volumes of poetry. In 1993 she read her poem  "On the Pulse of Morning" at the inauguration ceremony for President Bill Clinton.

Angelou continued to be active in the performing arts throughout her career, as a playwright, screenwriter, producer, and presenter for stage, television, and film projects. In 1972 her screenplay Georgia, Georgia became the first feature film written by an African American woman. She was chosen to participate in the American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women in 1974, and in 1975 she became the first Black woman member of the Directors Guild of America.

Angelou first visited Wake Forest as a visiting lecturer in 1973. In 1982 she was appointed to the first Z. Smith Reynolds chaired professorship in American Studies, a position she held until her death. She also was the recipient of many honorary doctorates and is often referred to as Dr. Angelou. Angelou passed away at her home in Winston Salem on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86.

Collection Overview

The collection consists of materials relating to Maya Angelou's work in the performing arts. Materials include original scripts for film and theater; adaptations by Angelou of her own and other authors' works; items relating to productions which Angelou produced, directed, or appeared in; documentaries and interviews; and ephemeral materials. Formats include manuscript, print, audio, and video.

Collection Arrangement

Series correspond to play and film production names, related organizations, and assorted video and audio recordings, and are arranged in alphabetical order.

Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Names

Subjects

Administrative Information

Publication Information
Z. Smith Reynolds Library Special Collections and Archives, 2011
Revision Description
Revised by Kristin Weisse, Stephanie Bennett, Megan Mulder, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023
Revision Description
Revised by Sam Sfirri, 2025 October
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to researchers, with the exception of materials that are marked RESTRICTED. These items are restricted for privacy reasons. Please contact archives@wfu.edu with any questions. 
Copyright Notice
The nature of the WFU Z. Smith Reynolds Library Special Collections and Archives means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The Archives and Special Collections of ZSR Library claims only physical ownership of most materials. The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to the U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. 
Existence and location of copies
There are copies of the following materials in Box 73: - "Afro American History Specials: the arts" Final Script for Part 1 - "Sisters" typed final screenplay (unbound) - VHS "And Still I Rise" (7 copies) - unlabled VHS tape - "By Line- Maya Angelou" - Richard Pryor - "Lifestyles with Robin Leach and Sharu Belafonte" (2 copies) - "Against the Odds," hosted by Maya Angelou. 
Preferred Citation
Maya Angelou Film and Theater Collection (MS597), Z. Smith Reynolds Library Special Collections and Archives, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. 

Collection Inventory

  • Afro-American History Specials: The Arts (1976-1976)Installment of television series, written by Maya Angelou, December 1976. Part I: Legacy; Part II: The Inheritors.
  • Ajax (1974-1974)Adaptation of Sophocles' play by Angelou, ca. 1974.
  • All Day Long (1974-1974)Screenplay by Angelou, written for the Women's Directing Workshop at the American Film Institute's Center for Advanced Film Studies
  • America, How Are You? (1996-1996)Three-part BBC television series by filmmaker John Blair; Angelou and Christopher Hitchens were presenters.
  • American Film Institute and Directors Guild [Some items restricted and removed; see Box 33]
    • American Film Institute Board of Trustees Minutes and Meeting MaterialsSee also Black Binders in Box 25, Folders 21-24
    • American Film Institute Meeting Minutes and Agendas (black binders)
  • The Amen Corner: A Chris/Rose Production
    • American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)
  • And Still I Rise (1977-1992)And Still I Rise was the title both of a volume of Angelou's poetry, published in 1978, and of a musical drama which incorporated some of the poems. Angelou directed at least three productions of the theatrical version.
    • Manuscript and typescript drafts of play version
    • Music and songs: poetry and original music by Angelou, orchestration by Michael L. Williams
      • Copies of music and lyrics for individual songs
    • Productions
      • Arts Council Theatre, Winston-Salem, N.C., directed by Angelou, Production Manager was Larry Leon Hamlin (1992 September 3-13)
      • University of North Carolina Center for Public Television production (1985 January)
  • Angelou on Burns (1992-1996)BBC Scotland documentary in which Angelou discusses Robert Burns's poetry and its influence on her work, 1996.
  • Assignment America (1975)PBS series, with interviews conducted by Angelou. Produced by Cynthia Kayan for WNET New York, 1975.
    • "Ray Bradbury: The Fantasy Maker" , aired (1975 January 28)
    • "Angela Davis: A Closer Look" , aired (1975 February 25)
    • "Valerie Harper: TV's Rhoda" , aired (1975 March 24)
    • "Bill Russell: Basketball's Reluctant Rebel" , aired (1975 April 29)
    • "James Baldwin: Conversation with a Native" , aired (1975 May 13)
    • "Berkeley: Where Have All the Rebels Gone?" , aired (1975 June 24)
    • Ideas for other Assignment America shows
  • Audio recordings
    • Audio Reels (1973-1973)
    • Audio Cassettes
  • Audiovisual materials (1986-2002)
    • The Africans, VHS videocassettes
    • And Still I Rise, VHS videocassettes
    • Black history celebrations and educational VHS videocassettes
    • Brewster's Place, VHS videocassettes
    • Conferences, Tributes, Lectures, and Public Projects, VHS videocassettes
    • Down in the Delta, VHS videocassettes
    • Education-related videocassettes
    • Honors and Awards Ceremonies, VHS videocassettes
    • Horatio Alger Association, VHS videocassettes
    • Inaugural poem (1993) and UN anniversary (1995) VHS videocassettes (1993-1995)
    • Interviews and Profiles of Maya Angelou, VHS videocassettes
    • Oprah Winfrey and Angelou, VHS videocassettes
      • Oprah Winfrey Show
      • Lifetime
    • Sesame Street, VHS videocassettes
    • Television and Film Appearances, VHS videocassettes
      • Arsenio Hall Show
      • By Line
      • An Evening with Maya Angelou
      • Hour of Power, with Robert Schuller
    • Touched By An Angel, VHS videocassettes
    • Uncategorized videotapes
  • Biographical and personal materials
  • The Blacks (1961-1970)Play by Jean Genet, featuring Maya Angelou.
  • Blacks, Blues, Black (1968-1968)A series of one-hour television programs devoted to Black history, heritage, and culture, produced by KQED (public television), San Francisco. Written, produced, and hosted by Angelou.
  • Brewster Place (1990-1990)This 1990 television series was a spin-off of the 1989 ABC mini-series The Women of Brewster Place. Angelou developed stories and characters and wrote narration for some episodes.
    • Brewster Place "Bible" , written by Earl Hamner and Don Sipes, with descriptions of series and characters, and story suggestions for individual episodes episodes Box 53 Folder 25
    • Manuscript and typescript monologues and notes on various characters
  • By-line--Programme 50 NBS E816H
    • Biographies on Influential African American writers and their articles (with a focus on British African Americans)
  • Come Day, Go Day, God Send Sunday (1987-1988)Original screenplay by Angelou.
    • Typescripts
  • Dance: From Dagbani to Disco (1980-1989)Treatment by Angelou for a 90-minute television program on African dance, written sometime in the 1908s.
  • Down in the Delta (1995-1999)Down in the Delta was the first feature film directed by Angelou. Written by Myron Goble, the film starred Alfre Woodard, Wesley Snipes, Al Freeman, Jr., and Esther Rolle. It was filmed in Toronto in 1997, and was distributed by Miramax and Showtime Entertainment, with a theatrical release in December 1998.
    • Correspondence and information regarding Chris/Rose Productions and its movie adaption of "Down in the Delta," in black binder -- RESTRICTED, marked where items were removed (1997-1997) Box 40
    • Maya Angelou's typescript copy of the final screenplay for "Down in the Delta" by Myron Goble, black binder Box 40
    • Location photos (Toronto)
  • Film, radio and television conferences, awards, program specials, and unclassified theatre productions
    • New Line Cinema Film Set it Off Materials (1996 September 30) Box 55 Folder 3
    • Jeff Marcolis Productions: The Quincy Jones Show Special Box 55 Folder 6
    • Ruby Dee Radio Show (1967)
  • Gettin' Up Stayed On My Mind (The Way It Is) (1966-1966)Play written by Angelou, ca. 1966.
  • Georgia, Georgia (1971-1972)Angelou wrote the screenplay and songs for this feature film, which starred Diana Sands, Dirk Benedict, Minnie Gentry, and Terry Whitmore, and was released in 1972. The film was produced by Jack Jordan and Quentin Kelly of Kelly-Jordan Enterprises, directed by Stig Bjorkman, and filmed on location in Stockholm.
    • Manuscripts
    • Typescripts
  • Hoagy and Brandon
  • Hound Dog Bates (1990-1990)Script by Angelou, based on the novel The Murder of Hound Dog Bates by Robbie Branscum. Angelou wrote the script for Paula Weinstein and Harry Belafonte (listed in contract as Producer), but it appears that the film version was never produced.
    • Manuscripts and extensively edited typescripts
    • Typescripts
  • How to Make an American Quilt (1994-1995)Feature film released in October 1995, with screenplay by Jane Anderson, based on the book by Whitney Otto. Ensemble cast included Winona Ryder, Ann Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, and Alfre Woodard. Angelou appeared in the role of Anna.
    • Typescripts
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1971-1978)Angelou wrote the initial drafts of a screenplay for a television movie based on I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which was produced by Tomorrow Entertainment and aired on CBS in April 1979.
    • Screenplay typescript
  • Interviews with Angelou (1973-1985)See also Box 28 for television specials and projects that Maya Angelou has worked on; some records of profiles in this box
  • The Journey of August King (1995-1995)Angelou provided narration for this 1996 feature film based on the novel by John Ehle.
  • King (1989-1990)Musical based on life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Book by Ron Milner, music by Richard Blackford, lyrics by Angelou.
  • Last Breeze of Summer (1992-1993)Angelou contributed a filmed introduction for this BBC Schools Television program.
  • Look Away (1972-1973)Two-act play by Jerome Kilty, based on the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, starring Geraldine Page and Angelou, at the Playhouse Theatre, New York, December 1972-January 1973. Angelou was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance.
  • Look! What a Wonder! (1976-1976)Musical play in two acts by Joyce Carol Thomas, directed by Angelou.
  • Macbeth (1985-1985)Production of Shakespeare play directed by Angelou, at Wake Forest University.
  • Madagascar: A World Apart (1998-1998)Angelou narrated this episode of the Living Edens television series, which was produced by ABC/Kane and aired on PBS, 1998.
  • Madea's Family Reunion
  • Moesha (1999-1999)Angelou made a cameo appearance as herself on a 1999 episode of this UPN television series.
    • Script for episode 6499-085 "Fired Up"
  • Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (1988-1988)Play by Errol John, produced by Akintunde Productions and directed by Angelou, 1988.
  • On a Southern Journey
  • Poetic Justice (1992-1993)Feature film released July 1993 (New Deal Productions), with original screenplay by John Singleton, starring Janet Jackson as a young African-American poet. Angelou wrote the poems for Jackson's character and also made a cameo appearance in the film as the character Aunt June.
  • Porgy and Bess: An American Voice (1996-1998)This documentary on Porgy and Bess aired on PBS as part of the  Great Performances series in 1998. Angelou was interviewed for the program, since she had played the role of Ruby in the European touring company of  Porgy and Bess in the 1950s.
  • Rainbow in the Clouds (1992-1992)PBS documentary on faith, hosted by Angelou; highlights Rev. Cecil Williams and Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, and Mount Zion Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. Program produced by WTVS Detroit and aired May 22, 1992.
  • The Rebels, Show no. 8: Sojourner Truth (1975-1976)Episode of The Knowledge Series, KNBC-TV; hosted by Keith Berwick and starring Angelou, aired January 1976. Written and produced by Sue Booker, directed by Robert Livingston.
  • The Reunion (1982-1996)Angelou wrote a short story entitled "The Reunion" for the anthology  Confirmation: An Anthology of African-American Women (William Morrow, 1983). A film version of this story aired as part of HBO's  America's Dream series, in February 1996. The screenplay was written by Ron Stacker Thompson and Ashley Tyler.
    • Screenplay
  • Restricted Documents
  • Roots (1976-1976)Angelou made a cameo appearance in the first episode of this television miniseries, as Kunta Kinte's grandmother Nyo Boto. The series aired on ABC in January 1977.
  • The Runaway (Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions) (2000-2000)Angelou co-starred in this Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, with script by Ron Raley based on the novel by Terry Kay. The show aired on CBS in December 2000.
  • Sesame Street (1993-1998)Angelou made several guest appearances and voiceovers on this PBS children's television series. She also appeared in and narrated the television special Elmo Saves Christmas (1996).
  • Sister, Sister, earlier known as "Sisters" (1978-1982)Television drama created and written by Angelou, 1978, originally titled Sisters. Cast included Diahann Carroll, Rosalind Cash, Irene Cara, Paul Winfield, and Dick Anthony Williams. Production completed, 1979; aired on NBC in 1982.
  • Sisters, later known as "Sister, Sister" (1991-1991)Play by Angelou.See also "Sister, Sister", a later title for the same production
  • Steady Going Up (late 1960s)
  • Steady on the Case
  • Storyporch (1995-1995)Angelou provided a 2-minute filmed introduction for the video release of this Black Entertainment Television children's series in 1995.
  • Tambourines to Glory (1994-1994)Angelou starred in a production of this Langston Hughes musical play, presented by GM Productions in Charlotte, N.C., April 1994. Angelou played the role of Essie Belle Johnson.
  • Teenaged Parenting (1986-1987)Screenplay by Angelou, July 1987.
  • Three Way Choice (1979-1979)Five-part CBS children's television series, written by Angelou and her son, Guy Johnson, and produced by Twentieth Century Fox Televison.
  • Tributes to Maya Angelou
  • Touched by an Angel (1995-1995)Angelou made a guest appearance on this CBS television series in 1995. She appeared as "Clarice" and also wrote the poem  "Love's Exquisite Freedom" , which was used in the episode.
    • Script with title "Reunion (Based on a True Story)" , by Valerie Woods
  • Visions (1975-1975)Two plays by Alexis DeVeaux-- Circles and  The Tapestry-- adapted for television by Angelou, 1975.
    • Circles
    • Tapestry
  • Zeely (1984-1984)Screenplay by Angelou, adapted from the book by Virginia Hamilton. Apparently intended for the Wonderworks television series.
  • Related items (circa 1935-1996)