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An Anthology Of Early Plays 1858 1938 African American Life Series

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Published in The Roots Of African American Drama: An Anthology Of Early Plays 1858 1938 (African American Life Series)

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This anthology of early plays by African American playwrights offers a unique glimpse into the lives and experiences of African Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The plays explore a wide range of topics, from the struggles of slavery and racism to the joys of family and community. They are a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in African American history and culture.

The Roots of African American Drama: An Anthology of Early Plays, 1858-1938 (African American Life Series)

by David Hare

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1090 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	456 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Plays
The Playwrights
The African American Experience
The Legacy of These Plays

The plays in this anthology were written during a time of great social and political change for African Americans. The Civil War had ended slavery, but racism and discrimination were still rampant. African Americans were denied basic rights, such as the right to vote and the right to equal education. They were also subject to violence and intimidation from white supremacists.

Despite these challenges, African Americans made significant progress during this time. They established their own schools, businesses, and churches. They also began to develop their own cultural institutions, such as theaters and literary societies. The plays in this anthology are a product of this burgeoning African American cultural movement.

The Plays

The plays in this anthology are all significant works in the history of African American theater. They include:

The Escape; or, A Leap for Freedom (1858) by William Wells Brown
The Schooner Mary Price (1862) by William Alexander Leidesdorff
Our Nig (1859) by Harriet E. Wilson
The Chip Woman's Fortune (1904) by Willis Richardson
The Emperor of Haiti (1905) by Marcus Garvey
Color Struck (1925) by Zora Neale Hurston
A Raisin in the Sun (1959) by Lorraine Hansberry

These plays cover a wide range of topics, from the horrors of slavery to the challenges of living in a racist society. They are all powerful and moving works of art that offer a unique glimpse into the African American experience.

The Playwrights

The playwrights in this anthology are all pioneers in the field of African American theater. They were the first to write plays that reflected the lives and experiences of African Americans. Their work helped to establish African American theater as a vital part of American culture.

The playwrights in this anthology include:

William Wells Brown
William Alexander Leidesdorff
Harriet E. Wilson
Willis Richardson
Marcus Garvey
Zora Neale Hurston
Lorraine Hansberry

These playwrights were all committed to using their art to promote social change. They wrote plays that challenged racism, celebrated African American culture, and inspired hope for a better future.

The African American Experience

The plays in this anthology offer a unique glimpse into the African American experience during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The plays explore a wide range of topics, from the struggles of slavery and racism to the joys of family and community. They provide a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in African American history and culture.

The plays in this anthology are a testament to the strength and resilience of the African American people. They are a reminder of the challenges that African Americans have faced, and they are a celebration of the progress that has been made.

The Legacy of These Plays

The plays in this anthology have had a profound impact on American culture. They have helped to raise awareness of the African American experience, and they have inspired generations of African American artists and activists.

The plays in this anthology are a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in African American history and culture. They are a testament to the power of art to change the world.

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An Anthology Of Early Plays 1858 1938 African American Life Series The Roots Of African American Drama: An Anthology Of Early Plays 1858 1938 (African American Life Series)