Clearance: Black Theatre USA

Plays by African Americans: The Recent Period, 1935-Today (Revised and Expanded)

Black Theatre USA: Revised and Expanded Edition, Vol. 2: Plays by African Americans from 1847 to Today is a comprehensive anthology that showcases the evolution and richness of African American drama from 1935 to 1996. Edited by James V. Hatch and Ted Shine, this volume builds upon the original 1974 edition by including 22 new selections, bringing the total to 51 plays. It stands as one of the most authoritative collections of African American theatrical works available.

This anthology captures the diverse voices and styles of Black playwrights over six decades, reflecting the social, political, and cultural landscapes of their times. The collection is organized thematically, encompassing genres such as social protest, family life, comedy and satire, religious themes, explorations of Black womanhood, and experimental forms.

Notable Playwrights and Works

The volume features seminal works by influential playwrights, including:

• Langston Hughes – Mulatto (1935), Limitations of Life (1938)

• Richard Wright and Paul Green – Native Son (1941)

• Lorraine Hansberry – A Raisin in the Sun (1959)

• James Baldwin – The Amen Corner (1954)

• Ntozake Shange – For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf (1976)

• Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones) – Dutchman (1964)

• George C. Wolfe – The Colored Museum (1988)

• Anna Deavere Smith – Fires in the Mirror (1992)

These works delve into themes such as racial identity, systemic oppression, family dynamics, spirituality, and the Black experience in America.

Thematic Organization

The anthology is divided into thematic sections that highlight the breadth of topics addressed by African American playwrights:

• Social Protest: Plays addressing racial injustice and societal challenges.

• Family Life: Explorations of familial relationships and dynamics within the Black community.

• Comedy and Satire: Works that use humor to critique and reflect on societal norms.

• Church and God: Dramas focusing on spirituality and religious experiences.

• Modern Women Writing on Women: Plays by Black women exploring themes of gender and identity.

• Black Theatre for Black People: Works emphasizing cultural pride and community narratives.

• New Plays, New Ideas, New Forms: Innovative and experimental pieces pushing the boundaries of traditional theater.

This volume serves as a vital resource for understanding the development of African American theater and its role in reflecting and shaping cultural discourse. By presenting a diverse array of voices and styles, it offers readers and scholars insight into the complexities and nuances of Black life and artistry over a significant period in American history.

For more information or to purchase the book, you can visit the Simon & Schuster official page.