African American Theater Essays - 1964 Words

Over the course of approximately one-hundred years there has been a discernible metamorphosis within the realm of African-American cinema. African-Americans have overcome the heavy weight of oppression in forms such as of politics, citizenship and most importantly equal human rights. One of the most evident forms that were withheld from African-Americans came in the structure of the performing arts; specifically film. The common population did not allow blacks to drink from the same water fountain let alone share the same television waves or stage. But over time the strength of the expectant black actors and actresses overwhelmed the majority force to stop blacks from appearing on film. For the longest time the performing arts were†¦show more content†¦Ã‚‘The Tom represented the African-American who was badgered and controlled by the white population. This person was the one who endured all of the abuse from any white person who was in the position of superiority. B ogle defines him as, the harassed hounded, flogged, enslaved, and insulted. They keep the faith, and stay true to their masters always remaining kind and selfless. Thus they endear themselves to white audiences and emerge as heroes of sorts (6). One of the most prevalent plays where this type of black characters emerged was given the name, Uncle Toms Cabin. This theatrical production came about during the 1850s. It gave an overview of Harriet Beecher Stowes (a white women who was against slavery) claim that white Americans imagine themselves as suffering slaves. In this production whites in blackface played Tom, Eliza, and Topsy . This construction was very controversial; Michael Rogin gives a brief summary and comment on this in his book, Blackface, Whitenoise: The production of Uncle Toms Cabin was not only embracing slaves but also supporting antislavery politics. There was considerable overlap, to be sure, between the proslavery and sentimental abolitionist structures of feeling, for maternalistShow MoreRelatedAfrican American Theatre And American Theater1902 Words   |  8 PagesAfrican-American Theatre has gone through exponential changes throughout the course of American history. They have made a push towards defining theatre for a whole of African-American culture. In doing so, African-American actors, directors, technicians, and theatre entrepreneurs strive to be the very best in their field and â€Å"create a true American theatre† (Miller 335). The theatre challenges thespians to hold onto their roots but branch out and mingle with the culture of today. The African-AmericanRead MoreAngela Weld Grimke: Agent of Change 954 Words   |  4 Pagessomething she would strive for in her everyday life. Angelina Weld Grimke was the first African American make it big in theater. From her magnificent plays to her great poetry that was published, Grimke changed the theater world in ways the common person would not even realize. With her hard work and determination to be as educated as possible, she achieved standards in theater that no other African American could in the early 1900s. The fact that Angelina was so educated by the time she graduatedRead MoreIra Aldridge By Lolita Chakrabarti1348 Words   |  6 Pagesthe racial presumptions of his era. Bernth Lindfors calls Aldridge the most visible black man in a white world in the middle of the nineteenth century (â€Å"The Vagabond Years† 5). Ira Aldridge paved the way for other African American Actors through his work at the African Grove Theater and his work abroad both acting and working to raise awareness for slavery. Ira Aldridge was born in Manhattan in 1807. His family lived in a period of global racial change. Slavery was slowly being abolished in NewRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem August Wilson 1709 Words   |  7 PagesAugust Wilson was one of the most accomplished African-American playwrights of this century and was one of only seven to win the Pulitzer Prize. He dedicated his entire career to documenting the 20th century struggles of African-Americans in a cycle of ten plays. He completed the cycle shortly before he died on October 2, 2005. His plays were themed around The Middle Passage, The Underground Railroad, The Emancipation Proclamation, Reconstruction and Jim Crow, The Northern Migration, Pittsburgh’sRead MoreAfrican American Performers: Egbert Austin Williams Essay1573 Words   |  7 Pages Egbert Austin Williams better known as Bert, was an African American performer during the late 19th and early 20th century. He was born in Nassau, Bahamas on November 12, 1874. He was the child of Frederick, who was a sailor and his mother Julia. When Williams was 11 he and his family moved to Riverside in southern California. While in Nassau, Williams encountered very little racism, southern California however was a much different story which troubled him deeply throughout his lustrous careerRead MoreThe Civil Rights Achievements Of The Famous African American Actor, Canada Lee1333 Words   |  6 Pages This autobiographical analysis will define the civil rights achievements of the famous African American actor, Canada Lee. Lee’s background as a jockey, boxer, and a musician would set the stage for a major acting career in theater and in Hollywood. More importantly, Lee would use his fame as an actor to promote racial equality through the support of Hollywood magnates, such as Orson Wells, and through the theatrical/literary guidance of Langston Hughes. Lee would be become known for his role inRead MoreThe Harlem Renaissance : A Literary, Artistic, Cultural And Intellectual Movement1485 Words   |  6 PagesIII 26 March 2014 The Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance was a literary, artistic, cultural and intellectual movement. The word renaissance means rebirth or revival. African Americans during this time were being pressured by Jim Crow Laws in the South. These laws separated the races tremendously (Roses). African Americans appeared ignorant, poor, and servile. Hate groups and hate crimes alarmed families, and they collectively decided it was time to make a change. Blacks, also known as ruralRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s A Raisin Of The Sun1683 Words   |  7 Pagesblackness in minstrel shows and racist tropes . Tragically, black dramatists have overlooked the usage of humor in African traditions. While in the past humor has been often used for ridicule, it has also been utilized as an act of sly resistance. The African trickster still lives on in black narrative. It has evolved from African folk tradition to provide an observation of the African-American experience. However, the subtlety and indirection of trickste rism sometimes causes it to be easily misunderstoodRead More Analysis of A Raisin in the Sun Essay1267 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Sun Analysis Upon walking out of Krannerts production of A Raisin in the Sun, an eerie silence drizzled about the audience as people murmured and slowly shuffled towards the exits. After witnessing such a powerful yet melancholy piece of theater work, words seemed inappropriate. For three hours, A Raisin in the Sun encompassed us with racial, economic, and social issues of the 1950s. Swirling portions of humor, disgrace, pride, and sadness into a smooth blend, the play developed many twistsRead MoreJim Crow And Racial Segregation1205 Words   |  5 Pagesstruggle for all African Americans. White supremacy and discrimination was established by Jim Crow laws that lasted from the end of Reconstruction until the 1960’s. The laws caused African Americans to be at a disadvantage politically and economically. Jim Crow is defined as a minstrel show character whose name became synonymous with racial segregation (Foner). A man of the name Thomas Rice created the character Jim Crow. He was a white entertainer who would imitate African American stereotypes