Joseph A. Walker (playwright)

Joseph A. Walker (December 28, 1935 – January 26, 2003) was an American playwright, director, actor, and educator. He is best known for his play The River Niger, which won the 1974 Tony Award for Best Play.

Walker was born in Washington, D.C., and educated at Howard University, Catholic University of America, and New York University. He began his career in the theater as an actor and director before focusing on playwriting.

The River Niger, set in Harlem, explores themes of Black identity, family, and community. It was a significant success, running on Broadway for over 200 performances and receiving critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of Black life.

In addition to The River Niger, Walker wrote several other plays, including Ododo, The Harangues, District Line, and Tribal Rites. He also directed numerous theatrical productions and taught at several universities, including City College of New York and University of California, Santa Barbara.

Walker's work often focused on exploring the complexities of the African American experience. He was a significant voice in the Black Arts Movement and contributed significantly to the development of Black theater in the United States.