Drumbeats, Masks, and Metaphor

This insightful exploration of contemporary Afro-American theatre examines the evolution of black identity and political expression through drama, as seen in Drumbeats, Masks, and Metaphor.

In Drumbeats, Masks, and Metaphor, Geneviève Fabre explores the dynamic landscape of contemporary Afro-American theatre, highlighting its role in shaping an emerging black identity during a pivotal time in U.S. history. Since 1945, black drama has flourished, serving as a powerful platform for political expression and cultural reflection. Fabre places this rich production within a historical and cultural framework, illustrating how it has evolved alongside the civil rights movement and other significant political activities involving the black community.

The book identifies two primary strands of Afro-American theatre: the militant theatre of protest and the ethnic theatre of black experience. Militant theatre seeks to challenge and break free from the constraints of dominant white traditions, encouraging community mobilization through powerful performances. Fabre discusses the works of influential playwrights like LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka, Douglas Turner Ward, and Sonia Sanchez, whose plays confront the complex dynamics between blacks and whites while exploring themes of resistance, identity, and vengeance.

In contrast, the ethnic theatre embraces the authenticity of black experiences, drawing from the rich tapestry of black culture, including church rituals, music, and folklore. This theatre celebrates a vibrant culture that exists beyond mainstream society, as seen in the works of playwrights such as James Baldwin and Melvin Van Peebles. Drumbeats, Masks, and Metaphor is a groundbreaking assessment of contemporary black theatre, providing insight into its development, key figures, and the emergence of a distinct theatrical tradition.