Race Melodrama and Minstrel Shows: Crash Course Theater #30

We’re continuing our discussion of nineteenth-century American theater with a look at some upsetting parts of the US’s theatrical past. In the nineteenth century, race and racism contributed to a unique and troubling performance culture, which helped create and spread racist stereotypes that are still with us today. And just - to be super clear - the stuff we’re talking about in this episode is … tough. The images are upsetting, and much of the language is … fraught, to put it lightly. So, just an up front content warning, so you know what’s coming up. Crash Course is on Patreon! You can support us directly by signing up at Thanks to the following Patrons for their generous monthly contributions that help keep Crash Course free for everyone forever: Mark Brouwer, Trevin Beattie, Satya Ridhima Parvathaneni, Erika & Alexa Saur, Glenn Elliott, Justin Zingsheim, Jessica Wode, Eric Prestemon, Kathrin Benoit, Tom Trval, Jason Saslow, Nathan