ACT 1: Black Performance in the Era of Minstrelsy

This act takes us on a six-episode journey, from the end of the Civil War to the dawn of the Harlem Renaissance, following the performers, writers, and producers of this underexplored era - their triumphs, challenges and the shows they created.


You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud

Episode 1: The Georgia Minstrels (1864-1878)
 
Episode 2: The Alt-Minstrelsy Scene (1871-1891)
 
Episode 3: Black Musical Beginnings (1894-1909)
 
Episode 4: The End of the Beginning (1910-1922)
 
Episode 5: In Dahomey
 
Episode 6: Epilogue
BONUS: "I Wants To Be An Actor Lady"
Music by Harry von Tizler, Lyrics by Vincent Bryan. Performed by Amber Iman
 
BONUS: "Swing Along"
Music & Lyrics by Will Marion Cook. Performed by Alphonso Horne and Mathis Picard
 
BONUS: In Dahomey Excerpt - Act 2, Scene 2
Book by Jesse A. Shipp, Music by Will Marion Cook, Lyrics by Paul Laurence Dunbar