A History of African American Theatre

Rating:
Summary: It's all here - slavery to european, amateur to professional
Review: Many of us take for granted the ability to go out on the town and enjoy a play about African Americans. Such plays as A Raisin in the Sun, Dream Girls, and The Piano Lesson have found their way into the hearts of many a theater goer and into the cultural makeup of this country. However, the making of these plays would not have been possible if not for the struggle and sacrifices of many theatrical pioneers. A History of African American Theatre by Errol G. Hill and James V. Hatch is an extensive anthology of all types of African American theatre that gives a wonderful historical perspective that we can use to interpret some of what we see today. The book includes information on minstrels, vaudeville, cabaret acts, musicals, and opera. It's the complete historical reference for the African American theatre lover.

In truth, this book also was exciting to some of my friends who are more history buffs than theatre lovers. I also confess to being very impressed with the author, Mr. Hill, who was the foremost historical scholar in the African American and Caribbean theatre fields and produced and directed more than 120 plays and pageants during a life recently cut short by cancer. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, he clearly was a giant!

The book's appeal - like the book itself - has great breadth & depth.
--- Sheldon Dennis, VP - Family Digest Magazine