SKU: 13425021499

African American Performance and Theater History: A Critical Reader

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African American Performance and Theater History: A Critical ReaderAfrican American Performance and Theater History is an anthology of critical writings that explores the intersections of race, theater, and performance in America. Assembled by two esteemed scholars in black theater, Harry J. Elam, Jr. and David Krasner, and composed of essays from acknowledged authorities in the field, this anthology is organized into four sections representative of the ways black theater, drama, and performance interact and enact

African American Performance and Theater History is an anthology of critical writings that explores the intersections of race, theater, and performance in America. Assembled by two esteemed scholars in black theater, Harry J. Elam, Jr. and David Krasner, and composed of essays from acknowledged authorities in the field, this anthology is organized into four sections representative of the ways black theater, drama, and performance interact and enact continual social, cultural, and political dialogues.

Ranging from a discussion of dramatic performances of Uncle Tom's Cabin to the Black Art Movement of the 1960s and early 1970s, articles gathered in the first section, "Social Protest and the Politics of Representation," discuss the ways in which African American theater and performance have operated as social weapons and tools of protest. The second section of the volume, "Cultural Traditions, Cultural Memory and Performance," features, among other essays, Joseph Roach's chronicle of the slave performances at Congo Square in New Orleans and Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s critique of August Wilson's cultural polemics. "Intersections of Race and Gender," the third section, includes analyses of the intersections of race and gender on the minstrel stage, the plight of black female choreographers at the inception of Modern Dance, and contemporary representations of black homosexuality by PomoAfro Homo. Using theories of performance and performativity, articles in the fourth section, "African American Performativity and the Performance of Race," probe into the ways blackness and racial identity have been constructed in and through performance. The final section is a round-table assessment of the past and present state of African American Theater and Performance Studies by some of the leading senior scholars in the field--James V. Hatch, Sandra L. Richards, and Margaret B. Wilkerson.

Revealing the dynamic relationship between race and theater, this volume illustrates how the social and historical contexts of production critically affect theatrical performances of blackness and their meanings and, at the same time, how African American cultural, social, and political struggles have been profoundly affected by theatrical representations and performances. This one-volume collection is sure to become an important reference for those studying black theater and an engrossing survey for all readers of African American literature.

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SKU: 13425021499

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I’ve been sleeping on this mattress for a few days now, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with it. It has that wonderfully soft, memory foam feel that I love, but it also provides just the right amount of support to keep my body comfortable all night long. I usually sleep on my side, and sometimes on my back, and I find that it feels great in both positions—no more waking up with a sore back, which is such a relief. What really surprised me is how cool it stays during the night. I’ve used memory foam mattresses before that made me sweat, but this one has a noticeable cooling effect that actually works better than I expected. It stays comfortable all night, no matter how much I toss and turn. Plus, it absorbs movement really well, so if my partner shifts around or I move in my sleep, it doesn’t disturb me at all. Setting it up was super easy—the mattress expanded quickly after I took it out of the box. There was a small foam smell at first, but it vanished pretty fast. Overall, it’s comfortable, supportive, and feels like a great value. If you’re looking for a mattress that strikes a good balance between softness and support, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
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Nadia
Charlottesville, US
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Comfortable, Supportive, and Sleeps Cool
Item Firmness Description: Medium Firm, Item Thickness: 10.0 Inches, Size: Queen (U.S. Standard)
This queen mattress is very comfortable and offers a great balance of softness and support. It is medium-firm and works well for relieving pressure on the back, shoulders, and hips while still feeling supportive throughout the night. The cooling feature helps keep the mattress comfortable and fresh, especially for warmer sleepers. It arrived neatly packed in a box and expanded quickly after opening with very little odor. I also appreciate that it’s certified, which gives extra peace of mind about the materials. Overall, a high-quality mattress that delivers great comfort and value for the price.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
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Adriely Andrade
Dallas, US
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Amazing mattress
Item Firmness Description: Medium Firm, Item Thickness: 12.0 Inches, Size: Queen (U.S. Standard), Item Firmness Description: Medium Firm, Item Thickness: 12.0 Inches, Size: Queen (U.S. Standard)
I’m really happy with this mattress! From the first night, it felt super comfortable and supportive. It has the perfect medium-firm feel, not too hard and not too soft, which makes it great for a good night’s sleep. The memory foam adapts really well to my body and helps relieve pressure, especially on my back and hips. I wake up feeling much more rested and without soreness. I also love that it has a cooling effect. I usually get warm while sleeping, but this mattress stays comfortable throughout the night. Another great thing is that it doesn’t transfer movement, so if you share the bed, you won’t feel the other person moving around. Overall, this mattress exceeded my expectations. It’s comfortable, supportive, and feels like great quality for the price. I would definitely recommend it!
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Jamie Delgado
Fort Morgan, US
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Comfortable and well made
Item Firmness Description: Medium Firm, Item Thickness: 12.0 Inches, Size: King
The firmness is great. Sleeps so good. Keeps us cool and forms to our bodies. I just hope it holds up for a few years. I have the 12 inch and my daughter that is 100lbs has the 10 inch we’ll see if this was as good of a buy as I think it is. Feels good and soft to the touch. I recommend this to anyone before you spend 2000.00 on a bed try this one it so very worth the money.
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Julie
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 4
Couch yes. Sleep, no
Item Firmness Description: Medium Firm, Item Thickness: 6.0 Inches, Size: Twin
I bought it for a daybed in the livingroom as a couch. It’s firm, but conforms to you(memory foam). Sitting is comfortable, however if I lay down it’s too hard. I can set a plate of food down next to me and it won’t move. So perfect for a couch, I wouldn’t be able to sleep on it
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026

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