ABSTRACT
This chapter explores two related themes in relation to the work of black women in the theatre today: the concept of double marginalization from the white male norm, and the ways in which black women’s theatres review myths and stereotypical images of black women, thereby creating positive alternative images and cultural representations of black women, created by black women. While it might seem that this project would be most appropriate coming from a black writer or academic, it is important that white academics also recognize the importance and originality of the work of black women in the theatre. As Sandra J. Richards suggested in her recent paper to the ‘Breaking the Surface’ conference/ festival in Calgary: ‘It is time that white women and men began to participate in the project of bringing more black women’s writing and theatre work to critical attention.’1
