Film
The role of African Americans in film has come a long way. Early on, African American roles displayed only stereotypes. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were many films about the Civil War. In keeping with racial stereotypes and society’s view of African Americans during this time, African American actors in these films played characters that were criminal, child-like, and incompetent. Some roles in films portrayed African American characters in better light. However, these roles were confined to maids, butlers, and nannies, which unfortunately reinforced society’s view of the social position of African Americans as servants.
Between 1910 and 1930, what is known as “race films” came into play. Film makers wanted to begin making films that depicted more positive roles for African Americans. These films were only shown in few theaters that were deemed “colored only”, but would also be shown in some churches, halls, and schools within small towns.
By 1929, the film landscape was beginning to change for African Americans. During this year, the first two Hollywood films with an all-black cast came to be made; “Hearts in Dixie” and “Hallelujah”. In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actress to win an Academy Award for best supporting role as Mammy in “Gone With The Wind” ("History of african," 2008) .
Changes with African Americans in film came with the Civil Rights movement. This changed the landscape in Hollywood, setting the scene for more films with an all-black cast. This also created the beginnings in which white and black actors shared screen time in movies. By 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first black actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor in “Lilies in The Field”.
By the 1970s, a variety of opportunities became available to African Americans not only as actors, but also as screen writers, producers, and directors (Thompson & Carew). During this time is also when the “blaxpoitation” era began, with Hollywood realizing the film potential for the urban black population representation in films.
Today, African American roles in films are multifaceted and positive. There are many black actors and actresses that grace our presence on the big screen and at award shows for their excellent talent. Some of these actors include Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Eddy Murphy, and Kerry Washington to name a few. Successful African American directors in the film industry include Spike Lee and Tyler Perry ("History of African American in Film," 2008).
Between 1910 and 1930, what is known as “race films” came into play. Film makers wanted to begin making films that depicted more positive roles for African Americans. These films were only shown in few theaters that were deemed “colored only”, but would also be shown in some churches, halls, and schools within small towns.
By 1929, the film landscape was beginning to change for African Americans. During this year, the first two Hollywood films with an all-black cast came to be made; “Hearts in Dixie” and “Hallelujah”. In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actress to win an Academy Award for best supporting role as Mammy in “Gone With The Wind” ("History of african," 2008) .
Changes with African Americans in film came with the Civil Rights movement. This changed the landscape in Hollywood, setting the scene for more films with an all-black cast. This also created the beginnings in which white and black actors shared screen time in movies. By 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first black actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor in “Lilies in The Field”.
By the 1970s, a variety of opportunities became available to African Americans not only as actors, but also as screen writers, producers, and directors (Thompson & Carew). During this time is also when the “blaxpoitation” era began, with Hollywood realizing the film potential for the urban black population representation in films.
Today, African American roles in films are multifaceted and positive. There are many black actors and actresses that grace our presence on the big screen and at award shows for their excellent talent. Some of these actors include Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Eddy Murphy, and Kerry Washington to name a few. Successful African American directors in the film industry include Spike Lee and Tyler Perry ("History of African American in Film," 2008).
Theatre
African American roles in theatre were very limited early on. Roles portrayed on stage were kept to degrading stereotypes. During the 19th century, African American’s portrayal on the stage was not from African American actors themselves, but rather Caucasian actors who used what is called “blackface”. “Blackface” is a form of theatrical make-up used by white actors on stage during minstrel shows and later vaudeville, portraying a stereotypical caricature of African Americans. During the late 19th century, “blackface” was used as a way to popularize opera and make it more mainstream. Popularity of “blackface” in shows continued popularity into the 20th century, including gaining popularity in other countries like Great Britain. By the middle of the 20th century, attitudes about race and racism were changing due to the civil rights movement, ending the offensive “blackface” performances (Padget).
Black theatre grew during the 1920’s and 1930’s, which is also known as the “Harlem Renaissance”. Black theatre companies began to emerge in Chicago, New York City, and Washington D.C. The first Broadway hit during this time was Langston Hughes’ Mulatto in 1935. By the late 1930’s, black community theatres became more common.
After World War II, the black theatre started to grow and became more prominent and more radical, reflecting ideas of a black revolution and symbolism apart from White culture. Counsels helped to abolish racial stereotypes portrayed in theatre productions, integrating more African American playwrights into mainstream theatre. In 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s Raisin in the Sun became a hit, showing the struggle of the black community maintaining an identity in a society that was otherwise degrading.
The 1960s saw a new black theatre during the Civil Rights movement, producing plays such as the award winning Dutchman in 1964 by Amiri Baraka, depicting white’s exploitation of the black community. By the 1980s and 1990s, some of the most important creators of black theatre included August Wilson, Suzan-Lori Parks, and George Wolfe ("Black theatre," 2013).
Black theatre grew during the 1920’s and 1930’s, which is also known as the “Harlem Renaissance”. Black theatre companies began to emerge in Chicago, New York City, and Washington D.C. The first Broadway hit during this time was Langston Hughes’ Mulatto in 1935. By the late 1930’s, black community theatres became more common.
After World War II, the black theatre started to grow and became more prominent and more radical, reflecting ideas of a black revolution and symbolism apart from White culture. Counsels helped to abolish racial stereotypes portrayed in theatre productions, integrating more African American playwrights into mainstream theatre. In 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s Raisin in the Sun became a hit, showing the struggle of the black community maintaining an identity in a society that was otherwise degrading.
The 1960s saw a new black theatre during the Civil Rights movement, producing plays such as the award winning Dutchman in 1964 by Amiri Baraka, depicting white’s exploitation of the black community. By the 1980s and 1990s, some of the most important creators of black theatre included August Wilson, Suzan-Lori Parks, and George Wolfe ("Black theatre," 2013).