Learning from the Past

What's the Black Theatre Museum? | Exhibits | Rentals

Who was Egbert Williams?
What is the origin of the cakewalk?
Who were the Whitman Sisters?

When individuals understand their history and culture, it empowers them to fulfill their potential and contribute to the larger society. Hattiloo's mission is to develop a Black theatre that is accessible, reflective, and relevant to a multicultural community. We consider it our responsibility to educate the public on the subject of the Black presence that has emanated throughout American theatre.

There are four exhibits that represent the following eras:

• Reconstruction - minstrelsy, black face
• Early 20th Century - vaudeville, the Black presence on Broadway
• Civil Rights - McCarthyism, the Black Power Movement
• Afrocentrism - Black expression through the arts

The exhibits include:

• Live performances
• Video interviews of notable Black actors and playwrights
• Costumed mannequins
• Recordings from Black musicals
• Antique poster and placard reproductions
• Dioramas of theatrical sets
• Photography exhibit
  
  

Exhibit 1 - RECONSTRUCTION (14 walls - 224 square feet)

• Williams & Walker Performance Team
• Minstrelsy and the origins of the cakewalk
• James Bland

Exhibit 2 -  EARLY 20th CENTURY (17 walls - 484 w=square feet)

• The Whitman Sisters
• Hubert Harrison & the Harlem Renaissance
• Rose McClendon & the Negro Theater Project

Exhibit 3 - CIVIL RIGHTS (18 walls - 384 square feet)

• Amiri Baraka & the Black Arts Movement
• Lorraine Hansberry
• Paul Robeson & McCarthyism

Exhibit 4 - AFROCENTRISM (22 walls - 400 square feet)

• August Wilson & the Pittsburgh Cycle
• Ron Milner
• Woody King Jr. & New Federal Theatre

Walls are available in size 4'x8', 3'x8', and 2'x8'.

Yes, the Black Theatre Museum is also available for rent! When you rent the Black Theatre Museum, you will receive the following:

• 4 exhibits with uo to 71 walls (some walls can be subtracted for smaller spaces)
• 2 video stations showing interviews of notable black actors, producers, and playwrights
• Recordings from black musicals
• Printed materials for tour guides

We also supply:

• A floor plan
• Delivery, set up, & breakdown
• All electrical equipment, including lights

For more information on how to bring the Black Theatre Museum to your school, exhibition, or other cultural event, please contact us.