1st Edition

Barbara Ann Teer and the National Black Theatre Transformational Forces in Harlem

By Lundeana Marie Thomas Copyright 1997
    216 Pages
    by Routledge

    216 Pages
    by Routledge

    While chronicling the development of Teer's National Black Theatre of Harlem, this study explores the National Black Theatre's quest to develop a new black theory of acting. Teer's theory of performance was realized in a theater that combined elements of Pentacostal worship and African ritual, melding spontaneity from the performers, percussive music, singing, dancing, emotional expression from both actors and audience, and spectacle. The National Black Theatre's major achievement is the creation of an original art form that helps African Americans identify with their roots and invites spontaneous audience interaction. The study offers the National Black Theatre as a model African American community theater with valuable lessons for other theaters. The innovative methods of the National Black Theatre provide a model for enlightening and sensitizing audiences to cultural diversity. A pioneering institution, the National Black Theatre has proven itself over its 25 year history to be a cultural treasure and the quintessential theater in Harlem. Also includes maps.(Bibliography, and index; foreword by Dr. Winona Fletcher, Professor Emeritus of Theater and Drama and Afro-American Studies; Founder of the National Black Theatre)

    1. Before the National Black Theatre 2. Barbara Ann Teer: Background Black Pentecostalism African Analogues to Pentecostal Rituals Yoruba Ritualistic Practices 3. The National Black Theatre: The Beginning Goal 1: Self-Affirmation Goal 2: Cooperation Goal 3: Education Goal 4: Spirituality Goal 5: Values Goal 6: Liberation 4. Training at the National Black Theatre Evolutionary Movement and Dance Course Meditation and Spiritual Release Courses Liberation Theory Classes Black Cultural Resources: Pentecostal Church Black Cultural Resources: The Apollo Theatre The Cycles Community Involvement Current Classes Identity, Dignity, and Trust Course The Power in You Writer's Course The Entrepreneurial Course Graduation Ceremonies Summary 5. The NBT: The Quintessential Black Theatre of Harlem Critical Response to Selected Productions Black Theatrical Elements in NBT Productions

    Biography

    Thomas, Lundeana Marie