Black Theatrical Voice

The Black Theatrical Voice in Western, American theater is often drowned out. Though misunderstood, appropriated, or altogether abandoned, the notion that Black theater is inherently different than Western theater is still true. Many may not be aware of Wilson’s work.

This class is for those who seek to educate themselves by diving deep into the themes of the Black Theatrical Canon, including acting approach, play history and performance, and - perhaps most importantly - understanding the integration that occurs between the theatrical world and Black lived experience, including the importance of the integrity of Black culture within theatrical spaces. It will also explore the ways in which white supremacy and its antecedents have and still do shape the Black perspective and therefore the Black aesthetic.

Course Reading Material
“The Devil Finds Work” by James Baldwin

The Plays

Fences by August Wilson

Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson

for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange

The Slave by Amiri Baraka

Death & The King's Horseman by Wole Soyinka

Wine in the WIlderness by Alice Childress