Course Number: THTR 2200

Department: Theatre (THTR)

Introduces students to the art of Black theatre and cultivates an appreciation of the local Black theatre scene. Black theatre in the United States has a 200-year history that is important to understand for insight into contemporary Black theatre in the Boston area. Traces the growth of Black theatre from minstrel shows to James Brown’s “King Shotaway” in 1823, to William Wells Brown’s “The Escape” in 1858, to contemporary performances. Surveys the historical influence of the Harlem Renaissance, World War II, the Ethiopian Art Theatre, the Federal Theatre Project, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Black Arts Repertory Theatre to situate August Wilson, Suzan-Lori Parks, and George Wolfe as heirs to this rich heritage. Includes attendance at local theatre productions.