www.theroot.com: Contrary to popular belief, and the unfortunate stereotypical demographic of theater-goers, Black people have long had a presence on Broadway. In fact, we have a rich, documented history with theater that goes all the way back to 1821, when a free Black man from the West Indies, William Alexander Brown, opened up the African Grove Theatre in New York City with America’s first Black theater troupe.
1 comment:
This was a very informative and eye-opening article that I feel must be read inorder to showcase to those within theater and specifically wishing to emerge into the Broadway scene the circumstances in which Black individuals within theater must undergo. As a black individual I was unaware of some of the information presented within this article like the fact that black individuals have been in the Broadway scene since 1821. Also that the first black theater troupe was called the "African Groove Theater!" Often black individuals must create our own spaces in order to be included and to have our stories discussed and I agree with the article that we must overcome the need to create these spaces and find ways to immerse ourselves more into the Broadway scene. However, of course their are always going to be obstacles, like the article says many directors, playwrights, etc. do not find black stories as marketable and commercial enough. Which is incredibly sad that money is prioritized over the inclusion and recalling of black people and their stories.
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