Black Comedy

Synopsis

Nine plays : a critical anthology with interviews and essays

(Applause Books).

This first-of-its kind collection includes a wide range of works, from an early examination and critique of American society after World War II to plays that reflect socio-political concerns that kept pace with historical events, like the sit-in demonstrations, the bus boycotts, black nationalism, and the women's liberation movement.

A hybrid of comedic forms including satire, farce, comedy of manners, romantic comedy, dark comedy, and tragicomedy are presented through vernacular language, stand-up performance art, masks, broad humor, as well as the minstrel show.

Essays, articles and interviews complement this critical edition.

Themes

• African American dramatists
• African American dramatists--20th century--Interviews
• African Americans
• African Americans--Drama
• African Americans in literature
• American drama
• American drama--20th century--History and criticism
• American drama (Comedy)--African American authors
• American drama (Comedy)--African American authors--History and criticism
• American drama--History and criticism
• PS628.N4 B52 1997