Publisher's Synopsis
From plantation performances to the minstrel shows of the late 19th century, the roots of black theatre in Texas reflect the history of a state where black Texans have continually created powerful cultural emblems that defy the clichés of horses, cattle and bravado. Drawing on troves of archival materials from numerous statewide sources, this study captures the important legacies of the dramatic arts in a historical field that has paid most of its attention to black musicians.