ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights often neglected areas and people, such as the role of the historically Black colleges and universities in the construction of a theatrical landscape or the creative impulses of artists in areas like design, marketing, stage management, or production. It provides Black voicing to the construction of literary history, criticism, and theoretical models of performance analysis. The book presents interviews with practitioners that reflect intergenerational pairings and the importance for younger artists of connection with those of rich professional experience. The generations of scholars and artists have educational and life experiences as varied as the editors. A new generation of Black people is defining Blackness along with African American theatre in their own voices while recognizing voices from the past.
