Topics in African-American Studies (380-0-20)

Topic

African American Theatre History

Instructors

Danielle Bainbridge

Meeting Info

Wirtz 235 Seminar Room 1: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This class serves as the second part in a 2-quarter history cycle in African American theatre history. Students can take this course without taking part 1. The course begins with the premiere of Lorraine Hansberry's landmark 1959 play A Raisin in the Sun and concludes with contemporary black theatre and performance. The class examines the latter half of the 20th century and early 21st century in Black theatre and performance and analyzes trends and differences in dramatic expression over time. Playwrights included on the syllabus include Hansberry, Amiri Baraka, Ntozake Shange, August Wilson, Brandon Jacobs Jenkins, Suzan Lori Parks, Anna Deavere Smith, Jackie Sibblies Drury, and others. The course provides an overview of African American theatrical traditions in the 20th and 21st century in order to give students a comprehensive view of the development of Black theatrical expression. We will combine readings of the plays with film screenings and readings of historical and theoretical texts for context.

Class Materials (Required)

1. A Raisin in the Sun Lorraine Hansberry
2. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf Ntozake Shange
3. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom August Wilson
4. Twilight Los Angeles 1992 Anna Deavere Smith
5. In the Blood Suzan Lori Parks
6. An Octoroon Branden Jacobs Jenkins
7. Fairview Jackie Sibblies Drury

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: PRE-REG: Reserved for Black Studies majors & minors.