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Ira Albridge
Ira Aldridge was known best for being the first Black American to portray Shakespearean tragedians. He worked as a theater manager and play writer. While he was one of out of many African-American actors at this time, he was the only one to be recognized with a bronze plaque at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre (Ira Aldridge, actor and activist 2016). The contribution of Aldridge's work in the theatre world was highly influential towards the later performances from the African-American community. -
Opening of the African Grove Theatre
William Henry Brown was responsible for the building of the first African American Theatre in the United States. This theatre was known as the African Grove Theatre located in New York City. While this theatre did play many classic shows such as many of Shakespeare's works it also showed many of its own works such as The Drama of King Shotaway (Brockett et al 234). The opening of this theatre paved the way for the African American community to enter the realm of theatre and begin making art. -
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Amiri Baraka
Amiri Baraka who set out to make his own step in the world of African American Theatre. Often writing very controversial works, Baraka often set out to spread his ideals of equality and of a desegregated society (Amiri Baraka - poems, plays & books 2014). Some of his most famous works include The Dutchman(1964), and Slave Ship(1967). Both of these plays make their theme of freedom and anti-segregationist values clear through their portrayal of the evils of racism. -
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August Wilson
August Wilson is one of, if not the, most important African American playwrights. His work began to gain popularity with 1984s Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. (Brockett et al 236) From there, Wilson throughout each decade of his life began to make his work reflect that period of time for African Americans. It was this method of writing that made Wilson so brilliant in the eyes of the African American community and it is what really lead Wilson to his success in the world of theatre. -
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George C. Wolfe
George C. Wolfe was one of the African Americans who took advantage of the surge of African American theatre activities. His first work that got wide recognition was The Colored Museum(1986) which featured a total of eleven exhibits the told the story of African American Life (Brockett et al 235). Wolfe's notable works of theatre include, Jelly's Last Jam(1991), directing Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk(1996), and directing The Normal Heart in 2011. -
A Raisin in the Sun
A Raisin in the Sun was truly the first real breakthrough in African American culture breaking into the wider theatre world (Brockett et al 254). Its writer, Lorraine Hansberry, explored themes of racial injustice and segregation which not only resonated with the African American audience, but also with a much more broader audience (Brockett et al 254). It was also the first play written by an African American woman to be featured on Broadway. -
The Negro Ensemble Company
The Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) is one of the most important companies supporting the career of African Americans in the world of theatre. It was responsible for the production of many plays involving members of the African American community. It also launched the careers of several well known modern African American actors such as Samuel L. Jackson (1948-) and Denzel Washington (1954-)(Brockett et al 235). The contribution of the NEC on the African American community cannot be understated. -
The New Lafayette Theatre
The New Lafayette Theatre was a a significant place for the progression of African American theatre. It sought to provide leadership for the African American community to help build up their presence in the world of theatre. This lead to the creation of their magazine, the Black Theatre Magazine, which sought to keep people informed about the leadership opportunities for African American theatre (Brockett et al 235). It unfortunately shut down in 1973 due to dissension in the company. -
The Slave Ship
The Slave Ship is a one act play that really sought to shine a light on the horrors of slavery. It uses lots of lighting and sound tricks to get the audience to feel like they are where they play is in a given moment. For example, when on the actually Slave Ship in the first part of the play, the theatre resonates the sounds of waves and has the smells of urine and excrement (Slave Ship Summary, 2024). This groundbreaking play was able to fully demonstrate the cruelty of slavery. -
Fences
Fences(1985), written by August Wilson, is an emotional play that follows the lead character, Troy Maxson, throughout several key points in his life. It is a tale that goes over many themes of family values and relationships. As Troy and his wife Rose begin splitting apart, this story begins to show how people can deal with events happening in our lives and it also shows us how we can begin to move on from those mistakes. It was a groundbreaking play that is still celebrated for its story now.