A Documentary History of the African Theatre

George Thompson has compiled a fascinating documentary history of the African Theatre, the first all-black theater company in the United States.

Thompson has researched and systematically documented all available facts about the company: its members, productions, playhouses, length of operation, types of audiences, and the reasons for its demise. A Documentary History of the African Theatre corrects many inaccuracies that have gained currency in recent decades. Containing extensive documentation and bibliographic information, this is a rare contribution to the study of American theater history and an indispensable reference work for those interested in nineteenth century American cultural history.