The Minstrel Show

The ‘The Minstrel Show’ pays homage to the induction of Black talent to the performing arts in America. After reading “Sambo, The Rise and Demise of the American Jester” I was inspired to create a painting that embodied the contributions from pioneering performers and opportunities created from minstrelsy.

Initially, minstrel shows were created and performed by white men in blackface. This type of entertainment was created by whites to desensitize the harsh treatments of blacks by embellishing the misperception of blacks’ demeanor to be simple minded, happy and acceptable to the conditions in which they were subjected. As many times in America’s history, Blacks would seize any opportunity to shed the cloak of oppression by expressive interpretation of song and movement with such a natural presence.

Minstrel performances allowed Blacks to showcase their multi-talents on a grand platform which validated their abilities, talents and place in the performing arts as creative composers, comedians, musicians, dancers, you name it; these black artist were great at it. Bert Williams, comedian, singer, dancer, composer, gained recognition long after his death as one of the most important comedians in American popular theater. Bill Green (Bill Bojangles Robinson) was a prominent black actor and dancer who developed a style of tap later adopted by some of our greatest performers, black and white. Al Jolston, a Jewish performer; with his unique and dynamic style of singing black music, like jazz and blues, he was later credited with introducing black music to white audiences. Jolson's well-known theatrics and his promotion of equality on Broadway helped pave the way for many black performers, playwrights, and songwriters, including Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Garland Anderson, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and Ethel Waters. The movement of the two performers was inspired by The Nicholas Brothers who made up one of the most beloved dance teams in the history of dance.

When you look at this painting hopefully you will see their inspirations in the development of ‘The Minstrel Show’.