A Breath of Fresh Air: Leading Roles of Substance for Black Actresses

Abstract

The history of Black American Theatre is so rich yet not highlighted enough. Women of color have trouble finding monologues that include topics they can relate to personally. Often, women are left with monologues that talk about romantic emotions for another character. Theatre, like the entire Earth, has evolved to include works written specifically for those who have felt excluded from the conversation. Additionally, these works are created by people who can understand firsthand the problems that come up for their fictional characters such as race, history, education, and injustice. For my research paper, I have compiled some works by Black artists who have included not only a leading role for Black actresses but a monologue of significance. At times, it could be scarce finding a piece that includes these two-point criteria. Too often Black women have to audition for and perform degrading caricatures as the supporting roles. This paper will serve as a breath of fresh air going over works designed specifically for Black actresses to excel in their craft with material written solely for their benefit.