Christianity & African-American Drama

Paper Summary:

This paper studies the plays of African American playwright August Wilson, focusing on the historical evolution of the plays and how they reflect divergent views of Christianity. In many ways, Wilson seeks to find a blend of both native African religious roots, as well as the white hegemonic influence of Christianity in his plays. Although many of his plays reveal the darker issues of the white hegemonic culture forcing Christianity on his people, the outcome of 20th century Christianity actually begins to empower African Americans to a greater desire for freedom from their oppressors.

From the Paper:

"In this drama study, the basic premise of Christianity will be analyzed within the plays of African American playwright August Wilson. In this manner, the different perceptions of Christianity will be brought forth within a character analysis, which will help define Wilson's religious approach to African American cultural identity. The plays 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone', 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom', 'The Piano Lesson', and 'Seven Guitars' will be examined, giving the different views of Christianity these plays divulge. In essence, the role of Christian thought in the African American community will be analyzed within the construct of August Wilson's dramatic characterization within his plays. In the play J'oe Turner's Come and Gone' the main Southern migrant character Herald Loomis is a man that is seeking a new life in the North. "

More papers on Christianity & African-American Drama:

• Book Review # 146139 : "African American Christian Worship" : A Book Review"
• Research Paper # 93909 : "African-American Religion"
• Research Paper # 95130 : "Breast Cancer and African-American Women"

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