African American Theatre Quiz

The statement suggests that the idea that peasants could have power over kings was a significant factor in the early success of minstrel shows in America. This implies that the concept of social hierarchy being challenged or reversed would have appealed to audiences, possibly because it offered a sense of empowerment or rebellion against authority. This aligns with the themes often portrayed in minstrel shows, where characters from lower social classes would mock or satirize those in positions of power. Therefore, the answer "True" is supported by the explanation.

The statement is true because Aunt Jemima's pancake mix was indeed named after one of the characters from minstrel shows. The character of Aunt Jemima was a racial stereotype of an African American woman, often depicted as a servant or cook. The pancake mix was introduced in 1889 and initially used the image of a black woman dressed as Aunt Jemima on its packaging. While the brand has undergone changes over the years to remove the racial stereotypes, its origins are rooted in the minstrel show character.

Lorraine Hansberry is the correct answer because she was the first African-American woman playwright to have a play produced on Broadway. Her play, "A Raisin in the Sun," was a critical and commercial success, making her one of the most successful African-American playwrights of her time.

This statement is false because black actors did appear in minstrel shows. Minstrel shows were a popular form of entertainment in the 19th and early 20th centuries, where white performers would often wear blackface makeup to portray stereotypical and racist caricatures of black people. While the majority of performers in minstrel shows were white, there were also black performers who participated in these shows, often forced to conform to the racist stereotypes.

The given statement suggests that Tyler Perry's play 'I Know I've Been Changed' was an instant success. However, the correct answer is False, indicating that the statement is incorrect. Therefore, it can be inferred that Tyler Perry's play was not an instant success.

Troy's livelihood is being a garbage man. This means that he works in the sanitation department and is responsible for collecting and disposing of garbage. This job involves physically demanding work, as he has to lift and carry heavy bags of trash. Being a garbage man is not glamorous, but it provides a steady income for Troy and his family.

Troy learned to play baseball in prison. This suggests that he may have been incarcerated at some point in his life and had the opportunity to learn and play the sport while serving his sentence. It also implies that Troy's time in prison had a significant impact on his life and shaped his skills and interests, such as baseball.

The popularity of minstrel shows can be attributed to the political agenda of the abolition of slavery. After the abolition of slavery, there was a need for white Americans to maintain a sense of racial superiority and control over the newly freed African Americans. Minstrel shows provided a platform for white performers to portray racist stereotypes of African Americans, thereby perpetuating racial discrimination and maintaining white dominance. These shows were a reflection of the racist attitudes and beliefs of the time, and served as a means to justify and reinforce racial inequality.

The Black Vaudeville circuit was also known as "Toby time".

In the interview, August Wilson states that blues music communicates both beauty and nobility. He does not mention acting specifically, so that is not included in his response. Therefore, the correct answer is beauty and nobility.