THTR 3011 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Cultural Appropriation, Cakewalk, Uncle Ben'S
Document Summary
Opera seria (started first and made by and for rich people) Buffa/comic opera (still for the wealthy and elites, but they got tired of being depressed all the time) First historically recognized minstrelsy troop consisting of black actors. Before this black actors were not allowed on stage. 5 years later minstrelsy faded from popularity because white people preferred to watch white actors mock black actors than black actors with real talent. Zeitgeist that the first american musical theatre evolved out of. Used as propaganda to make fun of african american people who weren"t considered citizens and who some people didn"t consider people at the time. Presenting african american people as stupid and convincing people that this is what african american people are like. Originated in the north where people didn"t see african americans so this was their conception of them. Got worse as the war got closer.
