Theatre and Race

by Harvey Young

The theatre has always been a place where conceptions of race and racism have been staged, shared and perpetuated. Harvey Young introduces key ideas about race, before tracing its relationship with theatre and performance - from Ancient Athens to the present day.

Genres: Theatre, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2013

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and thought-provoking book. It tackles the issues of what race means to modern American society and how those notions came to be. We go through two historic moments that were influential in shaping Anglo-American perceptions of race: "otherness" in Elizabethan England and blackface in America. Although the book mostly traces how African heritage has been affected by negative perceptions and stereotypes, it does touch on how harmful practices have permeated the treatment of Asian and Native American people as well. The book makes a really good point that "race" does not have intrinsic negative value, it is hard to go through life without noticing certain attributes of someone. Rather, it is how we choose to associate and respond to our observations about someone's skin tone, that is where the controversy comes from. The book also dedicates a chapter to examining colorblind vs. color-conscious casting practices, offering August Wilson's opinion regarding colorblind casting (spoiler: he disapproves of it). Wilson makes a good point that in placing BIPOC actors in traditionally white roles instead of creating new ones, that isn't furthering diversity but rather perpetrating the implication that white stories are the only ones worth telling.
I think the author was very fair and impartial throughout the book, since race in a sensitive topic. I think good points were made, and it definitely got me thinking about race in our society and how the theatre industry can decide to view race moving forward. Even outside a theatrical lens, the book is worth reading just for some good brain food.

[Ryan Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book packs a punch!

[namatayi · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting overview of the role race has had with theatre from minstrel shows to black face to modern day theatre of all black casts, harvey young details the anxiety that has existed throughout history when it comes to have people of colour on stage.

also, thoughts about whether the theatre should be either colourblind when it comes to casting or colour conscious, i personally agree with the notion that it’s hard to be colour blind with theatre because a persons race will influence the way they view their own character and will bring their experiences to the performance.

i would’ve liked more on theatre and the importance of race, having multicultural performances reflect our diverse society and including different kinds of people and cultures in your plays really can elevate and bring a whole new layer to the piece, i feel like they could’ve touched upon the way interculturalism in theatre isn’t always done in such a way where directors and writers are appreciating the cultures rather they’re taking, appropriating/ perpetuating stereotypes. i would’ve been interested in going down that path of race and theatre but i still felt like i learnt something so feels like a good book to me!!

[natalia steves · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really liked this book!! i thought it was very insightful and informative to discussing the issue of racism, race, and power within theatre. i learned a lot about how people of color were represented in theatre over time and how much injustice really occurred. i think everyone at some point in their lives should read this book — even if they are not an active theatre-enjoyer. 4.7/5⭐️ i am only giving it 4.7/5 because i already new some of the things it was taught and it seemed slightly redundant to me🤷🏼‍♀️

[Marcus Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview and refresher on the intersections of theatre and race, should be required reading for anyone involved in theatre from community and school theatre through professional theatre. A good starting point for further reading and exploration on the topic.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This works as a decent starting point on the topic of Theatre and Race, however, I found it problematic to think that we are currently living in a 'post-race' society. Perhaps it would have been written differently had this book been published in 2021.

[em sky-walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to the topic of race in theater! Explains introductory concepts in an easy to understand and thought provoking manner. Can't wait to do more research on this topic!

[Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive introduction to the subject. I only wish it was longer.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating study by Dr. Young of the role of race in theatre stemming back to the Ancient Greeks.

[Mario · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting at times but with its issues.
A couple of passages are transphobic.
Doesn't go outside the Western canon.
Didn't talk about structural issues in theater.

[Abigail Garside-Scutts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview and introduction to the topic of race in theatre.