NATIVE SON, 1941
During the Civil Rights Movement, African American theater mirrored the changes in society. The stage was a place where Black playwrights and actors could voice their struggles for equality and justice.
The theater showcased a unique, enduring look at what it means to be an American.
From Civil Rights to Black Arts
The rise of the Black Arts Movement in the 1960s and 1970s further fueled this creative and cultural surge.
This movement was characterized by an artistic explosion, as Black American playwrights used the stage to delve into and affirm their cultural and political experiences.
Playwrights like Amiri Baraka and Lorraine Hansberry became prominent figures during this time, using their art to provoke thought and evoke emotional responses about the complexities of being African American in a society riddled with racial tensions.
"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry (1959)
Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" broke new ground by portraying the hopes and challenges of an African American family, bringing to light issues that were often ignored or misrepresented in mainstream media.
This groundbreaking play portrays the story of the Younger family, an African American family living in Chicago, and their dreams of a better life. It addresses issues of racial discrimination, poverty, and the pursuit of the American Dream, resonating deeply with the themes of the Civil Rights Movement.
"The Dutchman" by Amiri Baraka (1964)
Amiri Baraka's works, known for their raw and unapologetic exploration of race and society, pushed the boundaries of traditional theater. His plays often confronted uncomfortable truths, forcing audiences to confront their own biases and understandings of race relations in America.
Known for its controversial and provocative narrative, "The Dutchman" is a one-act play that explores themes of race, identity, and power dynamics in American society. The play's intense and confrontational style mirrored the growing tensions and calls for change during the Civil Rights era.
Other notable plays from this period include:
"Blues for Mister Charlie" by James Baldwin (1964)
Inspired by the true story of the murder of Emmett Till, this play is a powerful indictment of racial hatred and injustice in America.
Baldwin's work provided a stark and emotional portrayal of the realities faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
"We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks (1966)
While primarily known as a poem, "We Real Cool" was adapted into a theatrical performance that captured the spirit and challenges of African American youth. The adaptation brought to life the poem's exploration of identity, rebellion, and the social conditions facing young Black people.
"Funnyhouse of a Negro" by Adrienne Kennedy (1964)
This play is a significant example of African American avant-garde theater. It delves into the complexities of racial identity and psychological struggle, reflecting the inner turmoil and societal pressures faced by African Americans during a time of intense racial conflict.
"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" by Ntozake Shange (1976)
This groundbreaking choreopoem is a series of poetic monologues accompanied by dance movements and music, a form Shange coined as the choreopoem.
It tells the stories of seven women who have suffered oppression in a racist and sexist society.
The play was a critical success and is considered a seminal work in African American feminist literature.
"The River Niger" by Joseph A. Walker (1972)
This Tony Award-winning play tells the story of an African American family living in Harlem and addresses themes of love, family, and racial identity.
It was notable for its authentic dialogue and portrayal of the African American experience, particularly in its depiction of the struggles and aspirations of the working-class family.
"Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death" by Melvin Van Peebles (1971)
A New York City Parks presentation of “Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death,” by Melvin Van Peebles.
This musical was groundbreaking for its portrayal of life in the Black urban community and its use of funk music.
The play is a series of vignettes that explore the harsh realities of life in the inner city, including poverty, violence, and racial injustice.
"What the Wine-Sellers Buy" by Ron Milner (1974)
This play was one of the first produced by the Negro Ensemble Company to move to Broadway.
It explores the impact of urban renewal on the African American community, telling the story of a young man who gets caught up in the world of hustling and crime in Detroit.
"Spell #7" by Ntozake Shange (1979)
Another powerful work by Shange, this choreopoem explores the experiences of Black artists and the challenges they face in a predominantly white industry.
The play is a mix of monologues, dance, and music, and it addresses themes of racism, identity, and artistic expression.
Each of these works offered a unique perspective on the African American experience during the Civil Rights Movement, using the power of theater to communicate, educate, and evoke empathy and understanding among audiences.
These plays served as catalysts for discussion and reflection, contributing to the broader dialogue about race and equality in America.
These playwrights influenced other art forms and contributed to a cultural shift in how African American stories were told.
The Rise of Black Theater Companies
The journey from the early works of African American playwrights to the establishment of Black theater companies marks a significant chapter in the history of American theater.
The AFRICAN THEATER
The African Theater is widely regarded as the first Black theater in the United States. It was established by William Henry Brown (also known as William Alexander Brown) in the 1820s.
Despite its brief existence of just two or three years, the African Theater significantly influenced American drama.
The Negro Ensemble Company
Established in 1967, this theater company stands out as a prime example. It was a beacon of opportunity for Black playwrights, actors, and directors. The Negro Ensemble company gave them space to develop their skills, experiment with new ideas, and, most importantly, tell their own stories.
This company became a hub for creative expression, where African American artists could explore themes and narratives that were often overlooked or marginalized in mainstream theater.
Other companies followed suit, creating a network of platforms dedicated to showcasing African American talent and stories.
The New Federal Theatre
Founded in 1970 by Woodie King Jr. in New York City, this company has been instrumental in presenting works by minority playwrights and providing opportunities for minority actors.
The Black Arts Repertory Theatre/School (BARTS)
Established in Harlem in 1965 by Amiri Baraka (then known as LeRoi Jones), BARTS was a central figure in the Black Arts Movement, producing works that were socially and politically engaged.
Penumbra Theatre Company
Founded in 1976 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, by Lou Bellamy, this company has a strong reputation for producing plays by African American playwrights, particularly fostering the works of August Wilson.
Ebony Repertory Theatre
Located in Los Angeles, this company, founded in 2007, is known for producing high-quality plays and musicals that explore and celebrate Black culture and experiences.
Crossroads Theatre Company
Established in 1978 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Crossroads has been a significant platform for new and established African American voices in theater.
Freedom Theatre
Based in Philadelphia, this company was founded in 1966 and is Pennsylvania’s oldest African American theater. It has a strong focus on education and training in the performing arts.
Congo Square Theatre Company
Founded in Chicago in 1999, this company is known for its commitment to producing transformative work rooted in the African diaspora.
The African American Repertory Theater (AART)
Based in Dallas, Texas, AART, founded in 2007, focuses on producing plays and musicals that reflect the African American experience.
The Billie Holiday Theatre
Established in 1972 in Brooklyn, New York, the Billie Holiday Theatre has been a cultural staple in the community, providing a space for new and established playwrights and performers.
THE BILLIE HOLIDAY THEATRE
African American theaters have significantly influenced the arts, overcoming challenges like financial constraints and limited performance spaces.
Despite obstacles, these companies have enriched American theater by breaking down barriers and introducing diverse stories and perspectives.
Their productions resonated with Black and White audiences. They entertained, educated, and bridged cultural gaps.
Their enduring legacy lies in the heightened visibility and recognition of African American theater, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic American theatrical landscape.
Mainstream Recognition
As African American theater grew, it became part of mainstream culture, eventually changing American theater as a whole.
Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”
Broadway began to embrace groundbreaking productions that centered on African American experiences. Popular plays like Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” changed what people thought theater was all about.
A Raisin in the Sun, 1959
“A Raisin in the Sun” is the story of a Black family in South Chicago, their dreams, and the challenges they face, such as housing discrimination and racism.
It was the first play on Broadway written by a Black woman as well as the first with a Black director, Lloyd Richards.
Prestigious awards, like the Tony Awards, which were once unattainable to Black artists, began to acknowledge their contributions to the theater.
African American actors and writers started getting noticed.
This signaled a shift towards a more inclusive and diverse theater scene, where the stories and Black voices could be heard and celebrated on some of the biggest stages.
“THE WIZ” - TONY AWARD WINNER FOR BEST MUSICAL OF 1975
The Wiz, 1975 — Actors (L-R) Hinton Battle, Tiger Haynes, Stephanie Mills & James Wigfall.
“The Wiz” hit the stage in 1975. It was a remix of the classic “The Wizard of Oz,” that celebrated African American music, style, and storytelling.
"The Wiz" showcased the incredible talent of African American artists—actors, singers, dancers, and musicians—all on one stage.
It was a powerful statement about representation, showing that African American stories and styles are a vital part of the American cultural tapestry.
"The Wiz" also snagged seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It wasn't just entertaining; it was groundbreaking.
Tony Awards, The Wiz - 1975
Best Musical
Best Original Score - Charlie Smalls
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical - Ted Ross
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical - Dee Dee Bridgewater
Best Direction of a Musical - Geoffrey Holder
Best Choreography - George Faison
Best Costume Design - Geoffrey Holder
“hamilton” - TONY AWARD WINNER FOR best musical OF 2016
In 2016, "Hamilton" made a huge splash at the Tony Awards, showcasing its revolutionary impact on Broadway. It took home an impressive 11 Tony Awards out of a record-setting 16 nominations.
FOUR OF THE 2016 TONY AWARD-WINNING HAMILTON CAST:
(1) PAUL TAZEWELL, (2) RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY, (3) DAVEED DIGGS, (4) LESLIE ODOM, JR.
Paul Tazewell - Best Costume Design of a Musical
Renee Elise Goldsberry - Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Daveed Diggs - Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Leslie Odom, Jr. - Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
"Hamilton," the groundbreaking musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has been a game-changer for Black actors and artists.
First, it’s a hip-hop musical that blends history with modern beats and stories.
Second, the founding fathers of the United States are portrayed by a diverse cast, including many Black actors.
"Hamilton" challenges the status quo. Casting Black actors as the founding fathers makes you rethink history and who gets to tell it. This sparked conversations about representation, diversity, and inclusion in theater.
Black Tony Award winners and THEIR plays
Tony Award Winners for Best Book of a Musical
2008 - Stew - “Passing Strange”
2022 - Michael R. Jackson - “A Strange Loop”
Winner of four 1996 Tony Awards, BRING IN 'DA NOISE, BRING IN 'DA FUNK uses the rhythms and energies of tap to celebrate the history of 'da beat. Conceived and directed by George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Savion Glover (both winners of Tony Awards for their work in the show).
Tony Award Winners for Best Choreography
1975 - George Faison - “The Wiz”
1989 - Cholly Atkins, Henry LeTang, Frankie Manning, and Fayard Nicholas - “Black and Blue”
1996 - Savion Glover - “Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk”
2007 - Bill T. Jones - “Spring Awakening”
2010 - Bill T. Jones - “Fela!”
Tony Award Winner for Best Costume Design
1975 - Geoffrey Holder - “The Wiz”
Tony Award Winner for Best Costume Design of a Musical
2016 - Paul Tazewell - “Hamilton”
Tony Award Winners for Best Direction of a Musical
1975 - Geoffrey Holder - “The Wiz”
1996 - George C. Wolfe - “Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk”
Tony Award Winners for Best Direction of a Play
1987 - Lloyd Richards - “Fences”
1993 - George C. Wolfe - “Angels in America: Millennium Approaches”
2014 - Kenny Leon - “A Raisin in the Sun”
Tony Award Winners for Best Musical
1975 - Ken Harper (as producer) - “The Wiz”
2022 - RuPaul Charles (as producer), Debra Martin Chase (as producer), Don Cheadle (as producer), Bridgid Coulter Cheadle (as producer), Jennifer Hudson (as producer), Billy Porter (as producer), Cody Renard Richard (as producer), Tre’ Scott (as producer), Zach Stafford (as producer), Paul Oakley Stovall (as producer) - “A Strange Loop”
2023 - LaChanze (as producer) - “Kimberly Akimbo”
Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
1975 - Charlie Smalls - “The Wiz”
1954 - Harry Belafonte - “John Murray Anderson's Almanac” - First African-American Male Winner.
Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
1954 - Harry Belafonte - “John Murray Anderson's Almanac” - First African-American Male Winner.
1975 - Ted Ross - “The Wiz”
1981 - Hinton Battle - “Sophisticated Ladies”
1984 - Hinton Battle - “The Tap Dance Kid” - With this win, the First African-American to win 2 Tonys.
1985 - Ron Richardson - “Big River”
1991 - Hinton Battle - Miss Saigon - With this win, the First African-American to win 3 Tonys.
1997 - Chuck Cooper - “The Life”
2014 - James Monroe Iglehart - “Aladdin”
2019 - André De Shields - “Hadestown”
2023 - Alex Newell - “Shucked”
Lonny Price, Zakes Mokae, and Danny Glover in the stage production "Master Harold ...and the Boys” - 1982
Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
1982 - Zakes Mokae - “Master Harold...and the Boys”
1992 - Laurence Fishburne - “Two Trains Running”
1994 - Jeffrey Wright - “Angels in America: Perestroika”
1996 - Ruben Santiago-Hudson - “Seven Guitars”
2009 - Roger Robinson - “Joe Turner's Come and Gone”
2013 - Courtney B. Vance - “Lucky Guy”
2020 - David Alan Grier - “A Soldier's Play”
MELBA MOORE AND CLEAVON LITTLE IN “PURLIE” - 1970
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
1970 - Cleavon Little - “Purlie”
1973 - Ben Vereen - “Pippin”
1982 - Ben Harney - “Dreamgirls”
1992 - Gregory Hines - “Jelly's Last Jam”
2000 - Brian Stokes Mitchell - “Kiss Me, Kate”
2013 - Billy Porter - “Kinky Boots”
2016 - Leslie Odom, Jr. - “Hamilton”
2022 - Myles Frost - “MJ”
2023 - J. Harrison Ghee - “Some Like It Hot”
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
1992 - TWO TRAINS RUNNING - LAURENCE FISHBURNE AND CYNTHIA MARTELLS
1982 - Zakes Mokae - “Master Harold...and the Boys”
1992 - Laurence Fishburne - “Two Trains Running”
1994 - Jeffrey Wright - “Angels in America: Perestroika”
1996 - Ruben Santiago-Hudson - “Seven Guitars”
2009 - Roger Robinson - “Joe Turner's Come and Gone”
2013 - Courtney B. Vance - “Lucky Guy”
2020 - David Alan Grier - “A Soldier's Play”
Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
AUDRA MCDONALD, SIX-TIME TONY AWARD WINNER — MORE PERFORMANCE WINS THAN ANY OTHER ACTOR, AND IS THE ONLY PERSON TO WIN IN ALL FOUR ACTING CATEGORIES. — PHOTO CREDIT: Audra McDonald (Autumn de Wilde)
1950 - Juanita Hall - “South Pacific” - First African-American Tony winner.
First African-American Tony female winner.
1968 - Lillian Hayman - “Hallelujah, Baby!”
1970 - Melba Moore - “Purlie”
1972 - Linda Hopkins - “Inner City”
1975 - Dee Dee Bridgewater - “The Wiz”
1977 - Delores Hall - “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God”
1978 - Nell Carter - “Ain't Misbehavin'“
1985 - Leilani Jones - “Grind”
1991 - Tonya Pinkins - “Jelly's Last Jam”
1994 - Audra McDonald - “Carousel”
1995 - Gretha Boston - Show Boat
1996 - Ann Duquesnay - “Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk”
1997 - Lillias White - “The Life”
1998 - Audra McDonald - “Ragtime” - With this win, the first African-American to win twice in this category.
2004 - Anika Noni Rose - “Caroline, or Change”
2011 - Nikki M. James - “The Book of Mormon”
2016 - Renée Elise Goldsberry - “Hamilton”
Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
1977 - Trazana Beverley - “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf”
1987 - Mary Alice - “Fences”
1988 - L. Scott Caldwell - “Joe Turner's Come and Gone”
1996 - Audra McDonald - “Master Class” - With this win, the first African-American to win in both musical and play categories.
1997 - Lynne Thigpen - “An American Daughter”
2001 - Viola Davis - “King Hedley II”
2004 - Audra McDonald - “A Raisin in the Sun” - With this win, the first African American to win 4 Tonys. With this win, the first African-American to win twice in this category.
2005 - Adriane Lenox - “Doubt”
2014 - Sophie Okonedo - “A Raisin in the Sun”
2022 - Phylicia Rashad - “Skeleton Crew”
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
1962 - Diahann Carroll - “No Strings” - First African-American winner in a lead role.
1962 - Diahann Carroll - “No Strings” - First African-American winner in a lead role.
1964 - Carol Channing - “Hello, Dolly!” - Channing is German-American and African-American.
1968 - Leslie Uggams - “Hallelujah, Baby!”
1974 - Virginia Capers - “Raisin”
1982 - Jennifer Holliday - “Dreamgirls”
1989 - Ruth Brown - “Black and Blue”
2000 - Heather Headley - “Aida”
2006 - LaChanze - “The Color Purple”
2012 - Audra McDonald - “The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess” - With this win, the first African-American to win 5 Tonys.
2013 - Patina Miller - “Pippin”
2020 - Adrienne Warren - “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”
2022 - Joaquina Kalukango - “Paradise Square”
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
2004 - Phylicia Rashad - “A Raisin in the Sun”
2010 - Viola Davis - “Fences”
2013 - Cicely Tyson - “The Trip to Bountiful”
2014 - Audra McDonald - “Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill”
Tony Award for Best Play
1974 - Joseph A. Walker (as playwright) - “The River Niger”
1987 - August Wilson (as playwright) - “Fences”
1994 - George C. Wolfe (as producer) - “Angels in America: Perestroika”
2003 - George C. Wolfe (as producer) - “Take Me Out”
2012 - Wendell Pierce (as producer) - “Clybourne Park”
2013 - Ron Simons (as producer) - “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”
2020 - Rashad V. Chambers (as producer) - “The Inheritance”
These big moments in African American theater helped change how people saw things and opened up opportunities for more artists in the future.
They led to a theater world where all kinds of stories and voices, especially those of Black Americans, could be shared and celebrated.
The Influence of African American Theater
The power and influence of African American theater reaches far beyond the stage.
Its influence can be seen in the way it has inspired other art forms, from film and television to literature and music, and in its role in educating and engaging communities.
Movies Inspired by African American Theater
Many movies, for instance, have drawn from themes and stories first explored on the African American stage, bringing these narratives to a wider audience.
“A Raisin in the Sun” (1961): This film adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s play brought the story of the Younger family’s dreams and struggles against racial segregation to a broader audience, maintaining the play’s powerful exploration of race and identity.
“Fences” (2016): Directed by and starring Denzel Washington, this film is based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. It captures the complexities of African American life and generational conflicts, showcasing Wilson’s profound dialogue and character study.
African American Theater in Education
Furthermore, African American theater plays a crucial role in education and community engagement. In schools and educational settings, these plays are often used as tools to teach history, literature, and social studies, providing students with a deeper understanding of the African American experience.
“The Piano Lesson” by August Wilson: Often included in literature and history curricula, this play offers insights into African American heritage, the Great Migration, and the legacy of slavery, serving as a profound educational tool.
"To Be Young, Gifted and Black: Lorraine Hansberry in Her Own Words" is a play that brings to life the story of Lorraine Hansberry, an iconic American playwright, through her own writings.
Following her passing in 1965, her close friend and former husband, Robert Nemiroff, a songwriter and poet, compiled her unpublished works and transformed them into a stage play. This play, which debuted off-Broadway between 1968 and 1969, later inspired an autobiography of the same name.
Additionally, the play and book motivated Nina Simone to compose a song titled "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," paying homage to Hansberry's influential work and legacy.
The Impact on Communities
African American theater brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience. Through community theater programs and local performances, it provides a platform for discussing community issues, celebrating cultural heritage, and inspiring young people.
In communities, African American theater serves as a stimulus for dialogue and reflection.
These productions often encourage community members to engage with and reflect on important social topics, promoting awareness and understanding.
The enduring power of African American theater lies in its ability to reflect the diverse tapestry of human experience.
It has consistently pushed boundaries, broken barriers, and opened doors, not just for African American artists but for all who seek to understand the countless dimensions of American life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT IT
“About - The Billie Holiday Theatre.” The Billie Holiday Theatre.
Company, Crossroads Theatre. “Crossroads Theatre Company.” Crossroads Theatre Company.
Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black (Play) - Wikipedia.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 24 Apr. 2014.
“AMERICAN THEATRE | Re: The ‘Re’ in Theatre.” AMERICAN THEATRE, 20 July 2015.
Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Fela! - Wikipedia.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 9 Sept. 2009.