An artist by any other name

 At one time in American History it was forbidden by federal law for Blacks to perform onstage in a theater.

Illegal. 

This was before federalized segregation turned America into a world of bold signs, and strong visible color lines.

Not unlike Elizabethan theater in England, where women were forbidden to perform onstage, while men impersonated women and played female characters. Centuries later, something similar was happening on stages across America.

Disturbingly, while Blacks were restricted to performing outside, or in bars, saloons, circus tents, White artists were simultaneously profiting from a performing art called 'Blackface' that exploited stereotypes of Black characteristics.

Some white artists still felt jealousy towards Black dancers, and even challenged them to contests, or duels to see who was the best "black" dancer. (Haskins, 1992)

This excerpt is from the New York Herald, July 8, 1884

GREAT PUBLIC CONTEST

Between the two most renowned dancers in the world, the Original JOHN DIAMOND and the colored boy JUBA, for a Wager of $200, on MONDAY EVENING July 8th at the BOWERY AMPHITHEATRE, which building has been expressly hired from the Proprietor, Mr. Smith, for this night only, as its accommodations will afford all a fair view of each step of these wonderful Dancers. The fame of these two Celebrated Breakdown Dancers has already spread over the Union, and the numerous friends of each claim the Championship for their favorite, and who have anxiously wished for a Public Trial between them and thus known which is to bear the Title of the Champion Dancer of the World. The time to decide that has come, as the friends of Juba have challenged the world to produce his superior in the art for $100. That Challenge has been accepted by the friends of Diamond, and on Monday Evening they meet and Dance three Jigs, Two Reels, and the Camptown Hornpipe. Five Judges have been selected for their ability and knowledge of the Art, so that a fair decision will be made.

Rule—Each Dancer will select his own Violin and the victory will be decided by the best time and the greatest number of steps.

 Watch Greenwich & Lewisham Young People's Theatre & Theatre  production of Master Juba, 2006

The transition (for Black artists) from vagabond performers traveling across the country on trains, and wagons to contracted artists on proper concert stages was the most critical time in American Performing Arts History, and the most undervalued.

Bert Williams, great American performer (1874-1922)

A singer, actor, dancer, Bert Williams studied civil engineering before following his true passion, stage performance. Because of our country's laws about race and beliefs about achievement, this man was not able to demonstrate the full span of his talents and gifts. Bert Williams was never able to call himself an 'actor', but merely an entertainer, in his own words. He died a very early death, like many Black artists of his time, his mental health suffered from the brutal psychology of American societal beliefs on race and Black Achievement. Whenever I feel like holding my head low, I think of this man and other Black pioneers like him and I straighten my shoulders.


Define your own destiny.

Ponya

Read more about William Henry Lane, stage name, Master Juba
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Juba

Read more about early white minstrel groups:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_Serenaders

Thank you for reading!!
This is my favorite topic in American Performing Arts History!!