Manifesting the End of AmeriKKKan Theatre: Black Theatre’s Healing Power to Eradicate Anti-Blackness
Date of Award
5-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.F.A.
Degree Program
Film and Theatre
Department
Film and Theatre
Major Professor
David Hoover
Second Advisor
Henry Griffin
Third Advisor
Justin Maxwell
Abstract
This thesis explores the potential of Black Theatre as a catalyst for healing anti-Blackness within American theatre. Acknowledging the limitations of systemic change, this study advocates for incremental shifts within communities to combat ingrained racial biases through narrative change and theatrical exploration. Grounded in the theory of Black Theatre's energy force, Nommo, the study proposes the framework of Acknowledge, Dismantle, Re-Educate to address and eradicate anti-Blackness. Through directing the production of Blood at the Root, incorporating Black Theatre methodologies atop eurocentric foundations, this research documents the healing experienced by participants and audiences. Key findings reveal increased community engagement, support, awareness, and transformative experiences during the rehearsal process and performances. These findings underscore the potential of Black Theatre to combat anti-Blackness and emphasize the need for further research, education, and community-based initiatives to promote healing and awareness within the realm of theatre.
Recommended Citation
Watson, R'Myni, "Manifesting the End of AmeriKKKan Theatre: Black Theatre’s Healing Power to Eradicate Anti-Blackness" (2024). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 3144.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/3144
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Dramatic Literature, Criticism and Theory Commons, Performance Studies Commons, Social Justice Commons
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.