A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Theme is Blackness

Short Play, Drama  /  1any gender (adult)

Ed Bullins

Taking inspiration from West African
philosophy, this conceptual performance piece asks its audience to think of Blackness as removed from
the physical body.

The Theme is Blackness

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1any gender (adult)
  • Duration
    Duration
    30 minutes
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
This conceptual performance piece takes inspiration from West African philosophy, which emphasized a non-objective and participatory approach to the arts. In the original 1966 production, Chebo Evan's Third World Three Black music trio improvised jazz against a background of rattling chains, moans, and groans while performers crept under seats and grabbed at people's ankles. The play asks its audience to think of Blackness as removed from the physical body, and instead view Blackness in space.
History
The Theme Is Blackness premiered at San Francisco State College, in San Francisco, CA, in 1966.
Keywords
Performing Groups
SPEAKER
  • Setting An empty room, with the capability for lights to be turned on and off.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Audience Participation/Interactive
  • Duration 30 minutes

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $65 per performance


    This title is available for Licensing Only.

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Authors

Ed Bullins

Ed Bullins

Ed Bullins (1935-2021) was an African American playwright and author whose professional playwriting career began in 1965 with the production of How Do You Do, Dialect Determinism (or The Rally), and Clara's Ole Man at the Firehouse Repertory Theatre in San Francisco. He later ...

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