Race
Evidence of the involvement of people of colour within private and amateur theatricals is poorly evidenced in the historical record. This page aims to gather together evidence to better support our historical understanding and research of the historical contribution of people of colour to private and amateur theatricals.
A comment about the Hinchingbrook private theatre, in November 1787, noting that Lord Sandwich had taken over managing the thunder and the lightning, includes a fascinating reference to a Black servant who had been involved in the theatre's theatricals until his death. The note refers to the fact that 'formerly a Black Servant of his used to direct the storms - but it was thought his outward appearance made them too horrible. Lord Sandwich, however, continued him 'till his death - as his Lordship never regarded any outwards appearances whatever.' [1]
Public prejudices could actually block public amateur theatricals from taking place. In 1888, the Philadelphia Amateur Dramatic Association (PADA), “a downtown organization of young colored thespians,” sought $1,000 in damages from Peter Reuter, the proprietor of the Wheatley Dramatic Hall, for breach of contract (“Colored Actors” 1). The PADA had reserved the hall weeks in advance for a performance of The Hunchback and the first act of Hamlet, and “about 800 tickets were printed, circulars were distributed, programmed procured, costumes hired, and ushers engaged for the performance.” About $100 worth of tickets had been sold and then a week before the performance Mr. Reuter informed Mr. Anderson, the business manager of the association, that they could not have the hall because another company had engaged it for the whole week. The PADA had to return the money for tickets and were of course responsible for the debts contracted (“Colored Actors” 1).[2]