BLACK FACE THEATER QUICKLY FADING

Black face theater has begun to loose its following. People are beginning to notice that they are expected to be humored by the race more than play itself. We want more. We want skill from our actors, talent from our directors. Where are the writers that can change this scene around? Well I'll tell you one thing, that Miami University of Ohio Grad, Ridgley Torrence might just be the one to save theater all together. He's ready to show the world what theater should be. He's just like the rest of us white folk, mother grew up having slaves an father employs the black man now. Ridgley saw them in school and wants the world to see them for what they are now. He's saying hell with the stereotypes and in with the reality! Guess what people, negros are real and get this, they can act. I know, I know, I was shocked when I saw it too, but this man is no joke. Poet turned journalist turned playwright Ridgley will change the negro theater as we know it. I saw it myself folks. On the fifth of April 1917 sure enough  Three Plays for a Negro Theater was premiered with a cast that was that colored indeed. I hear actors were taken from wherever they could be found, including the Lafayette Players, for all of you who have not left your houses or have picked up a paper in the past decade, they are a singing orchestra.  This ladies and gentlemen has been the "single most important event in history" according to James Weldon Johnson, so get up and get out. It is not to be missed! Go see these negros playing negros and understand the greatness that they are capable of. 








http://www.bookrags.com/tandf/three-plays-for-a-negro-theater-tf/
http://www.ohiocenterforthebook.org/index.php?q=node/11&id=300