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Full Description
From plantation performances to minstrel shows of the late nineteenth century, the roots of black theatre in Texas reflect the history of a state where black Texans have continually created powerful cultural emblems that defy the clichÉs of horses, cattle, and bravado. Drawing on troves of archival materials from numerous statewide sources, Stages of Struggle and Celebration captures the important legacies of the dramatic arts in a historical field that has paid most of its attention to black musicians.
Setting the stage, the authors retrace the path of the cakewalk and African-inspired dance as forerunners to formalized productions at theaters in the major metropolitan areas. From Houston's Ensemble and Encore Theaters to the Jubilee in Fort Worth, gospel stage plays of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas, as well as San Antonio's Hornsby Entertainment Theater Company and Renaissance Guild, concluding with ProArts Collective in Austin, Stages of Struggle and Celebration features founding narratives, descriptions of key players and memorable productions, and enlightening discussions of community reception and the business challenges faced by each theatre. The role of drama departments in historically black colleges in training the companies' founding members is also explored, as is the role the support of national figures such as Tyler Perry plays in ensuring viability. A canon of Texas playwrights completes the tour. The result is a diverse tribute to the artistic legacies that continue to inspire new generations of producers and audiences.
Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I. Setting the Stage: Early Work and Overview
Chapter One. Black Theatre in Texas: From the 1800s
Part II. Their Place on the Stage: Representative Organizations
Chapter Two. San Antonio: A Core Venue in the Alamo City
Chapter Three. Austin: Artistic Collaboration in the Capital City
Chapter Four. Dallas: Engaging the Community
Chapter Five. Fort Worth: Joy in the Theatre
Chapter Six. Houston: Black Theatre on Main Street
Afterword
Plays by African American Texans
Notes
Select References
Index
