How Long to Read Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama

How Long Does it Take to Read Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama?

It takes the average reader 2 hours and 39 minutes to read Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama by Christine R. Gray

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

During the 1920s and 1930s, Willis Richardson (1889-1977) was highly respected as a leading African-American playwright and drama anthologist. His plays were performed by numerous black high school, college, and university drama groups and by theater companies in Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., Cleveland, Baltimore, and Atlanta. With the opening of The Chip Woman's Fortune (1923), he became the first African American to have a play produced on Broadway. Several of his 46 plays were published in assorted magazines, and in his essays, he urged black Americans to seek their dramatic material in their own lives and circumstances. In addition, he edited three anthologies of plays by African-Americans. But between 1940 and his death in 1977, Richardson came to realize that his plays were period pieces and that they no longer reflected the problems and situations of African-Americans. In the years before his death, he attempted vigorously yet unsuccessfully to preserve several of his plays through publication, if not production. But the man who has been called the father of African-American drama and who was considered the hope and promise of African-American drama died in obscurity. Richardson has even been neglected by the scholarly community. This critical biography, the first extensive consideration of his life and work, firmly reestablishes his pioneering role in American theater. The book begins with a detailed chronology, followed by a thoughtful biographical essay. The volume then examines the nature of African-American drama in the 1920s, the period during which Richardson was most productive, and it analyzes his approach to drama as a means of educating African-American audiences. It then explores the African-American community as the central theme in Richardson's plays, for Richardson typically looks at the consequences of refusals by blacks to help one another. The work additionally considers Richardson's history plays, his anthologies, his dramas intended for black children, and his essays. A concluding chapter summarizes his lasting influence; the book closes with a listing of his plays and an extensive bibliography.

How long is Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama?

Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama by Christine R. Gray is 156 pages long, and a total of 39,936 words.

This makes it 53% the length of the average book. It also has 49% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 3 hours and 38 minutes to read Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama aloud.

What Reading Level is Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama?

Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama?

Willis Richardson, Forgotten Pioneer of African-American Drama by Christine R. Gray is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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