Contemporary Black Theatre and Performance

The Drama Book Shop presents, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, Contemporary Black Theatre and Performance Acts of Rebellion, Activism, and Solidarity - A Talkback, signing and live podcast recording.

About the Book 

How are Black artists, activists, and pedagogues wielding acts of rebellion, activism, and solidarity to precipitate change? How have contemporary performances impacted Black cultural, social, and political struggles? What are the ways in which these acts and artists engage varied Black identities and explore shared histories?

Contemporary Black Theatre and Performance investigates these questions to illuminate the relationship between performance, identity, intersectionality, and activism in North America and beyond. It features contributions from scholars, artists, and activists from across disciplines who explore the nuances and varied forms of Black performance in the 21st century while incorporating performance-based methodologies and queer and black feminist theories.

Among the many topics addressed by contributors are antiracist pedagogy, Black queer identity formation in Black playwriting, digital blackface, and Black women's subversive practices within contemporary popular culture. It encompasses dramatic analysis of Lynn Nottage's Sweat, Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy, and acts of resistance during the Black Lives Matter summer 2020 highway protests. A series of conversations with artists and scholars are woven throughout the book's three sections, including with playwrights Christina Anderson and Donja R. Love, and Willa Taylor, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago.

About the Contributors

Khalid Y. Long, PhD, is the Associate Dean of Research and Creative Endeavors in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University, where he also serves as the Interim Chair and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts. Long's books include Contemporary Black Theatre and Performance: Acts of Rebellion, Activism, and Solidarity (Methuen Drama) and August Wilson in Context (Cambridge University Press). A freelance dramaturg, Long has collaborated with numerous theatres nationwide, partnering with a wide array of theatre artists.

Aviva Neff, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theatre, Denison University. An honors graduate of the College of Wooster (B.A., American History) and Goldsmiths College (M.A., Applied Theatre), Dr. Neff enjoys working in devised and applied theatre with participants from all walks of life. Dr. Neff frequently works as an intimacy coordinator and theatre director in the Columbus community and enjoys blending her passion for teaching with a vision for equitable rehearsal and performance spaces. She is an ensemble member with Teatro Travieso, which premiered her solo performance, Blood, Earth, Water in 2021. Dr. Neff has recently published works on performing Confederate identity in the American South, August Wilson’s legacy and intimacy praxes within academic theatre.

About the event

This Eventbrite ticket is your reservation for the event.

Please note that the purchase of Contemporary Black Theatre and Performance

Acts of Rebellion, Activism, and Solidarity ($27.95) is required for entrance. 

Upon arrival, our team will direct you to the register to obtain your copy and complete your admission.

The store will begin welcoming guests at 7:15 pm.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

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