Here's one for you...

[tommyslim]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 7:41pm

Why, in today's society, do you think that Minstrelsy would not be accepted? Do you think it would? Or do you think it would cause great offence to the people of this world? This country in particular?

In today's theatre no-one bats an eyelid at homosexuality... Russell Labey's 'New Boy' for example. We have cross dressers in 'Priscilla', We had a black Billy Elliot for a while with a white family. Jonathan Pryce played an Asian in 'Miss Saigon'

So why could we not have a white person blacking up in a show? would you go and see a Minstrel show if there was one on today?


I'm interested to read your thoughts on this, it would help me out greatly with my dissertation

[childcatcher2]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 7:44pm

I auditioned for RAGTIME a couple of years ago but the company could not get enough Black actors/ actresses so they cancelled the show. It looks like Scotland will never see this amazing show ! arrrg

[Paulyd]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 10:50am

Are you serious?

Minstrelsy for many was wrong back in the day and is certainly wrong today. On the other hand trying to forget that it ever happened would be denying a large part of theatrical history.

How you can compare it to gay characters in Pricilla i'l never know, but if you can imagine someone writing a really abussive and offensive musical about homosexuals, there would be an absolute outcry. Well that is how black audiences today would feel about Michael Ball or Ruthie Henshall blacking up in the name of entertainment.

I do however remember back in the 70's that The Black and White Minstrel show was peak time family viewing on a Saturday night, but this coming from the decade that gave us It Aint Half Hot Mum and Mind Youn Language.

Check out Spike Lee's film Bamboozled which is a satirical look at how a few black TV execs try to claim Minstrelsy back for a new modern audience.

I'm not annoyed that Tommyslim bought the subject as I always love a good topic, but Minstrelsy hopefully should never see the light of day again.

[abitoftap]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 12:14pm

It is shocking these days....

I saw the Patinkin Wild Party on Broadway five or six years ago and there's a short black face sequence which was met by an audible gasp from the audience.

From an historical view point, I can see why they did it. The new touring Jolson apparently has deliberately decided not to have any black face, even though historically there is an argument for its place.

There is obviously no place for the Minstrel show as entertainment or even, IMO, the Olivier Othello type scenario.

[tommyslim]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 1:46pm

PAULYD just to make it clear, I am not for one moment suggesting that minstrelsy should be bought back in any way shape or form, i'm merely just conducting an investigation for my dissertation. its one of the many routes I have to explore as part of the topic.

[Paulyd]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 5:45pm

Maybe i should have been clearer.i dont believe for a second that you are in favour of it but i just wanted to list why people would find it offensive today.sounds like a good topic for a paper.let me know if you need a hand
Updated On: 3/27/09 at 05:45 PM

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 5:50pm

A new musical named 'Jolson' has just had this problem with its upcoming tour. In the end it was decided the story would be rewritten so 'blacking up ' was just mentioned but not actually performed.



A seperate production by the same name played the Victoria palace back in the 1990s and had no problem at all.



Times are very different to the years when 'The Black And White Minstrel Show' pulled in 25M every Saturday night fro 15 years and sold out the Victoria Palace twice a night for 10 years back in the 70s.



Updated On: 3/27/09 at 05:50 PM

[devonian.t]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 6:16pm

I'm really looking forward to the new show at the National where the cast "white up"- what a provocative idea. I don't know if it will work or not, but it's a great idea.

I never like the music of the minstrels so I was bloody glad when they disappeared.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 6:17pm

Probably the most damned annoying thing ever put on TV!

[Paulyd]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 6:23pm

Good god.i remember the black and white minstrel.my parents hated it and would never let us watch it. It also wasnt that long ago either