Race Melodrama and Minstrel Shows: Crash Course Theater #30

We’re continuing our discussion of nineteenth-century American theater with a look at some upsetting parts of the US’s theatrical past. In the nineteenth century, race and racism contributed to a unique and troubling performance culture, which helped create and spread racist stereotypes that are still with us today. And just – to be super clear – the stuff we’re talking about in this episode is … tough. The images are upsetting, and much of the language is … fraught, to put it lightly. So, just an upfront content warning, so you know what’s coming up.