Special Topics in Advanced Theatre Studies (340-0-20)

Topic

Black Women on the Musical Stage

Instructors

Afua A Osseo - Asare

Meeting Info

Wirtz 235 Seminar Room 1: Wed 3:00PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

This course engages the performances of Black women on the US musical stage from 1900 to 1970, focusing on vocal sound. Under the capacious vaudeville tent or proscenium arch of musical theatre belting, how did the blues shouter's sound influence the Broadway belter's technique? How were these sounds carried forward by Black torch singers and character actresses, nightclub vocalists, television variety performers and Black Broadway glamour girls? Our studies will take seriously what Sissieretta Jones, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, Pearl Bailey, Juanita Hall, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll, Leslie Ugggams, and Eartha Kitt have had to say and teach about singing on the musical stage.

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be on Canvas

Class Attributes

Jrs, Srs, Grad Students Only
SDG Reduced Inequality
SDG Gender Equality