Question

A form of musical production that flourished in the nineteenth century was the minstrel show, a variety show that featured white performers wearing blackface

A) True
B) False

Answer 1

True, minstrel shows, a variety performance including white performers in blackface, were a prevalent form of entertainment in the nineteenth century and played a role in perpetuating racial stereotypes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Minstrel shows were indeed a form of musical production that flourished in the nineteenth century. This variety show featured white performers in blackface, which involved using soot or makeup to blacken their faces.

These shows were performed in a manner that mocked African Americans, perpetuating stereotypes and supporting racial segregation and white supremacy.

The practice was not only popular in the United States during the 1800s but continued into the early 20th century before eventually falling out of favor.

Interestingly, by this time, the vaudeville style of variety show and early forms of musical theatre were becoming the most commercially popular forms of entertainment.

These live performances eventually paved the way for the establishment of African American Theatre.

One notable milestone was in 1903 when Bert Williams and George Walker's musical In Dahomey became the first full-length, all-black musical on a major Broadway stage, signaling a shift in opportunities for African American performers.