Audience Quote by Cecile McLorin Salvant
“I think when black performers performed in blackface, they were kind of taking back slave songs, but it was still a little bit iffy because they were performing, a lot of times, for white audiences who found it hilarious.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz History Podcast, 2019
Black performers in blackface reclaimed slave songs but still catered to white audiences.
In simple terms: Reclaiming heritage while entertaining oppressors.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess artistic choices.
Themes
race
performance
history
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
cultural
ethical
When to use this quote
- theatre studies
- social critique
- musical heritage
Key Concepts
cultural appropriation
audience dynamics
artistic intent
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do artists have to their heritage?
- How does audience expectation shape performance?
A Different Perspective
The practice can perpetuate stereotypes.
![“I learned from Ethel Waters, Duke Ellington, Adelaide Hall, the Nicholas Brothers, the whole thing, the whole schmear. [The Cotton Club] was a great place because it hired us, for one thing, at a time when it was really rough [for Black performers].” quote by Lena Horne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9f/lena-horne-15555_adelaide_i-learned-from-ethel-waters-duke-ellingt_478684.jpg)
