Resistance, Parody, and Double Consciousness in African American Theatre, 1895-1910 - by Na Na (Hardcover)

About the Book

The rich history of African American performance and theatre is a topic that few scholars have studied as a critical part of American culture. In this fascinating interdisciplinary volume, David Krasner focuses on the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, and reveals the aesthetic significance of African American performers on the American stage.

Book Synopsis

The history of African American performance and theatre is a topic that few scholars have closely studied or discussed as a critical part of American culture. In this fascinating interdisciplinary volume, David Krasner reveals such a history to be a tremendously rich one, focusing particularly on the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the 20th century. The fields of history, black literary theory, cultural studies, performance studies and postcolonial theory are utilized in an examination of several major productions. In addition, Krasner looks at the aesthetic significance of African American performers on the American stage and the meaning of the technique entitled "cakewalking." Investigating expressions of protest within the theatre, Krasner reveals that this period was replete with moments of resistance to racism, parodies of the minstrel tradition, and double consciousness on the part of performers. An enlightening work which unveils new information about its subject, Resistance, Parody, and Double Consciousness in African American Theatre offers insights into African American artistry during an era of racism and conflict.

Review Quotes

"Krasner's combination of extensive archival research and far-ranging knowledge provides an exhilarating intellectual experience." - Library Journal

"The first winner of the Errol Hill Award for notable studies of African American theater, Krasner's insightful book examines a slighted period in the history of theater and entertainment." - Choice

About the Author

David Krasner is Director of Undergraduate Theatre Studies at Yale University.