Stages of struggle and celebration : a production history of Black theatre in Texas / Sandra M. Mayo and Elvin Holt.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mayo, Sandra Marie, 1947- author.

Holt, Elvin, 1945- author.

Series:

Jack and Doris Smothers series in Texas history, life, and culture ; no. 43.

Jack and Doris Smothers series in Texas history, life, and culture ; Number Forty-three

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

African American theater--Texas--History.

African American theater.

African Americans in the performing arts.

Performing arts--Texas--History.

Performing arts.

History.

Texas.

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

xv, 232 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Austin : University of Texas Press, 2016.

Summary:

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 Theatres to the Jubilee Theatre in Fort Worth, gospel stage plays of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas, as well as San Antonio's Hornsby Entertainment Theatre Company, The Renaissance Guild, and 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 list of plays by African American Texans completes the tour. The result is a diverse tribute to the artistic legacies that continue to inspire new generations of producers and audiences. Book jacket.

Contents:

Black theatre in Texas : from the 1800s

San Antonio : a core venue in the Alamo city

Austin : artistic collaboration in the capital city

Dallas : engaging the community

Fort Worth : joy in the theatre

Houston : Black theatre on main street.

Notes:

Included bibliographical references (pages 291-314) and index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781477307786

1477307788

9781477308202

1477308202

OCLC:

911135077