The Minstrel Show

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts will present the N.Y. premiere of The Minstrel Show Revisited, a reworking of the Tony-nominated Donald Byrd’s 1991 Bessie Award-winning theatrical confrontation of America’s cultural racism, running October 28 – 30, 2015. The Minstrel Show Revisited questions and critiques the 19th Century black-faced entertainment genre whose legacy is still felt today and continues to play a significant role in cultural stereotyping. Beyond the Stage, a series of pre-and post-show conversations, will be held each evening.

ADVISORY: There has been a date change in these performances. The Minstrel Show Revisited will now play on Wednesday, October 28 – Friday, October 30. (The Wednesday performance has been added. Saturday, October 31 has been canceled.

The Minstrel Show Revisited addresses current racial issues while shining the light on racist aspects of American history that are difficult to discuss. By using the conventions of the 19th Century Minstrel Show, including the once common tradition of “black face,” Byrd and the Spectrum dancers confront audiences with the past and present manifestations of racism and perpetuation of stereotypes embedded in American culture and tradition.