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First Acts: Black Playwright Comes of Age

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In the early days of American theatre, African Americans were largely excluded from the stage. But in the late 19th century, a new generation of black playwrights emerged who would change the face of American theatre forever.

These playwrights, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Lorraine Hansberry, and August Wilson, wrote plays that explored the complex experiences of African Americans in the United States. Their work challenged stereotypes, celebrated black culture, and gave voice to the voiceless.

First Acts: A Black Playwright Comes of Age

by Gail Morin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7163 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

First Acts: Black Playwright Comes of Age is a groundbreaking work that chronicles the history of African American theatre from its origins in the 19th century to its emergence as a major force in American culture in the 20th century. The book features in-depth profiles of some of the most important figures in African American theatre, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Lorraine Hansberry, and August Wilson. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the major themes and movements in African American theatre, from the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement.

First Acts is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of American theatre or African American culture. It is a powerful and moving account of the struggle for racial equality and the power of art to change the world.

Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was one of the most important figures in the Harlem Renaissance. He was a poet, playwright, novelist, and short story writer who wrote about the experiences of African Americans in the United States. His work was often humorous and satirical, but it also explored serious themes such as racism, poverty, and inequality.

Hughes's play "Mulatto" was one of the first plays by a black playwright to be produced on Broadway. The play tells the story of a light-skinned black woman who is passing for white. "Mulatto" was a controversial play, but it was a critical and commercial success. It helped to pave the way for other black playwrights to have their work produced on Broadway.

Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston was another important figure in the Harlem Renaissance. She was a novelist, short story writer, and playwright who wrote about the experiences of African Americans in the South. Her work was often earthy and humorous, but it also explored serious themes such as race, gender, and class.

Hurston's play "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is one of the most important works in African American literature. The play tells the story of Janie Crawford, a black woman who is searching for love and fulfillment. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is a powerful and moving story that explores the complexities of black womanhood.

Lorraine Hansberry

Lorraine Hansberry was a playwright and activist who wrote about the experiences of African Americans in the United States. Her play "A Raisin in the Sun" was the first play by a black woman to be produced on Broadway. The play tells the story of a black family who is trying to buy a house in a white neighborhood. "A Raisin in the Sun" was a critical and commercial success. It helped to break down racial barriers in American theatre.

August Wilson

August Wilson was a playwright who wrote about the experiences of African Americans in the United States. His plays are set in the 20th century and they explore the themes of race, poverty, and inequality. Wilson's plays are often lyrical and poetic, and they have been praised for their authenticity and their insights into the human condition.

Wilson's play "Fences" won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987. The play tells the story of a black family living in Pittsburgh in the 1950s. "Fences" is a powerful and moving play that explores the complexities of black family life.

First Acts: Black Playwright Comes of Age is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American theatre or African American culture. It is a powerful and moving account of the struggle for racial equality and the power of art to change the world.

First Acts: A Black Playwright Comes of Age

by Gail Morin

5 out of 5