Theatre History II Module 9

What was the 1891 show that gave rise to ragtime? 

The Creole Show,” a Broadway revue, is staged, popularizes rise to ragtime (notable for its syncopated/ragged rhythm)

Why else was The Creole Show notable? 

• features 16 African-American women as part of all African American cast (first portrayal of African Americans without stereotypes)

• Introduction of the “Cakewalk”

• Parody of affects and mannerisms by slaves of slaveowners

• Later appropriated by White culture

Why did Minstrel Shows decline? 

• Rising ticket prices

• Growing movie industry

• Introduction of women into revues

What Scott Joplin song proved influential for most subsequent ragtime songs?

Maple Leaf Rag

What was the name of the company formed in 1915 by Anita Bush? 

Lafayette Players

Who was Paul Robeson?

Leading African American actor of 1940s, also a singer, athlete, scholar, and political activist

Who was Ethel Waters? 

Broadway and Motion Picture Actress and Singer

Who was Lorraine Hansberry?

American playwright

What was the name of the 1940 Supreme Court case in which Hansbery’s family was involved? 

Hansberry vs. Lee

What made Raisin in the Sun unique for its time? What was the play originally called?

• the first drama written by a Black woman presented on Broadway. It subsequently wins the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award

• Originally Called Crystal Stair

What producing family helped finance Raisin In The Sun? 

The Schuberts

What did Hansberry stipulate when she sold the rights to Raisin In The Sun Columbia Pictures in 1959?

She was allowed to write the screenplay

What notable playwright was initially critical of the play? 

Amiri Baraka

Who was Amiri Baraka?

• American Playwright

• Wrote The Slave and The Toilet (two 1-act plays) 

• Formation of Black Arts Repertory Theatre and School in Harlem 

• Founder and director of the Spirit House Movers and Players

Who is Anna Deveare Smith? 

American Performance Artist

Who is George C. Wolfe? 

American playwright and theatre and film director

Who is Kenny Leon? 

• American director, producer, and author

• In 1990 was artistic director of Alliance Theatre in Atlanta

• In 2002 was founder of True Colors Theatre in Atlanta Director

Who was August Wilson? 

American Playwright

What is the name of Wilson’s 10-play cycle?  

The (American) Century Cycle

Where is Wilson’s 10-play cycle set? 

The Hill District of Pennsylvania