Double Consciousness: The Portrayal of Black Life in Theatre

Abstract

In this scholarly paper titled, "Double Consciousness: The Portrayal of Black Life in Theatre", I will be exploring the concept of the double consciousness and its relation to African Americans in theatrical works. W.E.B Du Bois explained the concept of double consciousness in his autoethnography, Souls of Black Folk, which can be defined as how African Americans view themselves through the lens of an oppressive society. The question at hand is how does W.E.B. Du Bois's coined term, "double consciousness" affects the portrayal of African Americans and their lives within plays? The works that I will be exploring that will better aid in understanding this concept include the following: Uncle Tom's Cabin adapted by George Aiken, Native Son adapted by Nambi E. Kelley, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Dutchman by Amiri Baraka (then known as Leroi Jones), Funnyhouse of a Negro by Adrienne Kennedy. By exploring these works, I will be aiming to prove that the concept of double consciousness affects how African American characters and their lives are portrayed on the stage.