In a recent feature by Harper’s Bazaar, 14 influential Black storytellers are celebrated for reshaping the landscape of American theater.
The article explores the legacy of pioneers like Lorraine Hansberry and Ntozake Shange, who, in the late 1950s and 1970s, respectively, brought Black characters and stories to the forefront of Broadway.
The piece delves into the rich history of Black theater, acknowledging the often-overlooked contributions of women writers, directors, and performers from the 1920s to the pre-Civil Rights era. It emphasizes how these trailblazers laid the foundation for a flourishing tradition in the 21st century.
Highlighting the sea change in American theater, the article introduces a diverse group of Pulitzer, MacArthur, Obie, Tony, and Grammy winners. The featured individuals are Kamilah Forbes, Sarah Jones, Ife Olujobi, Alicia Keys, Jackie Sibblies Drury, Danai Gurira, Lynn Nottage, Antoinette Chinoyne Nwandu, Jasmine Lee-Jones, Anna Deavere Smith, Suzan-Lori Parks, Sade Lythcott, Camille A. Brown, and Dominique Morisseau. These creatives, ranging from writers to actors, singers, and choreographers, collectively break down old boundaries, challenging whose stories matter and who gets to tell them.
It highlighted Smith, Parks, and Nottage for their work that explores social conflicts and delve into the interior lives of their characters. It acknowledges their commitment to bringing diverse narratives and histories to the stage.
A significant focus is placed on the urgency and ancestral resonance of these stories, which bridge the past and present. The article recognizes the geographic diversity depicted in recent works, discussing how playwrights like Katori Hall, Morisseau, and Erika Dickerson-Despenza bring marginalized regions and histories into the American theatrical spotlight.
The piece also highlights the role of dramaturges like Lythcott and Forbes in the resurgence of the Black theatrical institutional tradition. Notable figures such as Alicia Keys, who recently debuted her musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” demonstrate the experimental spirit of Black women in the performing arts.
While celebrating the achievements, the article acknowledges that Black women playwrights remain underrepresented on the American stage. The Harper’s Bazaar feature provides a comprehensive look at the transformative impact of Black storytellers on American theater, honoring their contributions while recognizing the work still needed for greater representation.
Read on Harper’s Bazaar