The Impact of Race

The Impact of Race. (Theatre and Culture). Applause Books. Hardcover. 272 pages. Published by Applause Books.

Here is a major work by a contemporary American artist at the top of his game. Woodie King, Jr.'s book is an impassioned stand against racism, sexism and classism in theatre and culture. King has been an active producer and director in the trenches for social justice through Black theatre for 35 years. As he says, “I am a witness, I was there.” The retelling of his history serves a purpose, as King calls on young Black artists to start their own theatre, and provides the inspiration and advice for them to do so.

King explores the politics of art, the funding for Black organizations, the critics' reviews of Black theatre, and the way in which awards are handed out, among many other pertinent topics. The Impact of Race provides readers with a mosaic of current thinking in Black culture. Specific entries range from producing James Brown in concert in Liberia, an essay on jazz, the Japanese engagement of the musical Shades of Harlem, and August Wilson's notorious 1996 keynote address at the national Theatre Communications Group conference. This is a powerful reference for those who want to know more about those who wish to be heard, but who have had to struggle just to speak.