The Colored Museum Analysis

The Colored Museum was a very forward, driven, and provocative play that used themes of race, representation, and history to create an insightful and entertaining display of African American history and struggles. The play was a collection of vignettes and characters that did not necessarily create a narrative for one particular character. This instead created and conveyed the narrative of an entire people that we are able to gather through these various episodes. Each episode or exhibit displays a differing moment and aspect of African American culture in time. These exhibits are often played in a comedic way and through that the viewer gains a sense of the underlying absurdity and cruelty of the history being presented. It was a highly successful and thought provoking experience to sit through. The subtext of the play was expertly brought forward through the performances. While reading the play one can gather a sense of this, but it is through the act of watching that the small beats and notes take true meaning. The body language of Ms. Roj is an example of this that struck me. It visually clued me into the character more than any line of text could. The Colored Museum production was successful because it took a strong script and premise and used the

The subtext of the play upon reading it and upon viewing it carried through in similar ways; however the play was able to add additional meaning through the actions of the character. The gesturing and motions of the actor’s was able to add additional meaning and emphasis to the script. Reading the scene with the wigs does not carry the same weight as watching it performed by actors who can add layers of physicality to the scene. The play felt like a biting but humorous bite at bigotry and hatred and it was successful in portraying itself as so. The performances and the production all felt cohesive and as though they were part of a strong