Subject
African Americans -- Drama Books
Best books
Angelina Weld Grimké
Rachel: A Play in Three Acts
"Rachel: A Play in Three Acts" by Angelina Weld Grimké is a play written in 1916. Created as the first theatrical work for race propaganda by the NAACP, it follows a young Black woman whose deep love for children collides with the brutal realities of American racism. When Rachel discovers her father and brother were lynched, and witnesses the suffering of Black children around her, she faces an impossible choice between motherhood and protecting future generations from injustice. Set in a domestic world, this groundbreaking drama brought dignified portrayals of Black family life to integrated American audiences.
William Wells Brown
The Escape; Or, A Leap For Freedom: A Drama, in Five Acts
"The Escape; Or, A Leap For Freedom: A Drama, in Five Acts" by William Wells Brown is a play written in 1858. This pioneering work of African American dramatic literature tells the story of two enslaved people from different plantations who secretly marry. When the wife catches the dangerous attention of her owner, Dr. Gaines, and his jealous wife seeks deadly revenge, the couple must flee for their lives. Their desperate journey follows the North Star toward freedom in Canada, with slave hunters in close pursuit.
Unknown
Fire!! : $b A quarterly devoted to the younger Negro artists, Volume 1, Number 1
"Fire!! : A quarterly devoted to the younger Negro artists, Volume 1, Number 1" is an African American literary magazine published in New York City in 1926 during the Harlem Renaissance. Founded by Wallace Thurman, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and others, this bold publication challenged older Black conventions by exploring controversial topics like homosexuality, prostitution, and color prejudice through vernacular language and realistic storytelling. The magazine's provocative content sparked outrage among established Black leaders and poor sales, while its headquarters ironically burned down shortly after releasing its only issue.
Langston Hughes
The mule-bone : $b a comedy of Negro life in three acts
"The Mule-Bone: A Comedy of Negro Life in Three Acts" by Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston is a play written in 1930. In the town of Eatonville, Florida, two best friends—one a guitarist, the other a dancer—come to blows over the affections of a woman. When one strikes the other with a mule bone, a trial divides the community along religious lines, forcing the town to debate an unusual question: can a mule bone be considered a weapon?
Ernest Howard Culbertson
Goat Alley: A Tragedy of Negro Life
"Goat Alley: A Tragedy of Negro Life" by Ernest Howard Culbertson is a drama written in the early 20th century. The play focuses on Lucy Belle Dorsey, a woman struggling to maintain her integrity and dignity amid the harsh realities of life in a Washington slum. It delves into the challenges faced by African Americans in the early 1900s, including poverty, infidelity, and the fight for personal agency and love in an oppressive environment. The opening of "Goat Alley" introduces us to the dilapidated living conditions of Lucy Belle and her family in Goat Alley. Lucy's conversation with her Aunt Rebecca reveals the tension in her life, particularly regarding her relationships with her partner Sam and the abusive Jeff Bisbee, who looms as a threatening figure in her past. As Lucy navigates her current attempts to secure a future with Sam while grappling with remnants of her troubled past, the harsh realities of her existence are unveiled, setting the stage for a tale of tragedy and resilience in the lives of African Americans. The opening establishes an emotional foundation, showcasing Lucy's plight amidst societal pressures and personal turmoil.
Ridgely Torrence
Granny Maumee; The rider of dreams; Simon the Cyrenian : $b Plays for a negro theater
"Granny Maumee; The Rider of Dreams; Simon the Cyrenian: Plays for a Negro Theater" by Ridgely Torrence is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. The plays offer a profound exploration of African American experiences and themes, focusing on the lives of their characters against the backdrop of social and cultural issues faced by the Black community. The opening portion specifically introduces Granny Maumee, a blind matriarch, and her family dynamics surrounding the arrival of a newborn, which raises tensions related to racial identity and heritage. At the start of "Granny Maumee," the audience meets Granny Maumee, who prepares her home to welcome a visit from her great-granddaughter Sapphie and her husband, who remain absent. As Pearl, Granny’s great-granddaughter, helps with the preparations, the conversation reveals underlying tensions rooted in Granny Maumee's past—the brutal history of her family during times of racial oppression. This establishes a poignant narrative of legacy and memory, wherein Granny's blind eyes see little of the present but are keenly aware of past traumas, and foreshadows the arrival of Sapphie's child, culminating in surprise and conflict related to the baby's mixed race.
Zora Neale Hurston
De turkey and de law : $b A comedy in three acts
"De Turkey and De Law: A Comedy in Three Acts" by Zora Neale Hurston is a play written in the early 20th century. Set in a fictional African American village in Florida, it unfolds around themes of pride, rivalry, and community justice as characters navigate their relationships and the implications of a legal dispute. The central characters include Jim Weston, a young man and town bully, and Dave Carter, the village's best hunter who becomes embroiled in conflict over a turkey and a romantic interest, Daisy Blunt. The opening of the play introduces us to the vibrant life of the village, beginning with children playing games on the porch of Joe Clarke's store. The scene quickly establishes the playful, yet sometimes contentious, dynamics between the townsfolk, setting up a backdrop of humor and conflict. As the adults engage in friendly banter about each other's characteristics and past actions, tensions arise surrounding the forthcoming trial of Jim Weston for assaulting Dave Carter over a turkey. The dialogue captures the characters' personalities and relationships in a manner that is both entertaining and revealing, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Zora Neale Hurston
Three plays : $b Lawing and jawing; Forty yards; Woofing
"Three plays: Lawing and Jawing; Forty Yards; Woofing" by Zora Neale Hurston is a collection of stage plays written during the early to mid-20th century. The book showcases African American culture and experiences, frequently incorporating humor and social commentary. The plays are reflective of Hurston's unique voice and immersive storytelling that highlights the intricacies of life within the African American community. The first play, "Lawing and Jawing," unfolds in a courtroom setting in Waycross, Georgia, where Judge Dunfumy presides over a series of humorous cases that highlight the absurdities of the judicial system and societal norms. The comedic exchanges between the characters bring light to serious issues such as domestic violence and poverty, yet are presented in a satirical manner. "Forty Yards" takes place at a football game, capturing the vibrancy of the African American community rallying around their teams, filled with songs, cheers, and competition. Lastly, "Woofing" presents a lively street scene in Waycross, focusing on domestic dynamics, flirtation, and the everyday life of its characters through playful banter and music. Overall, these plays explore themes of identity, community, and resilience, all while bringing to life the rich culture of African American life in the early 20th century.
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