2-945-011 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Minstrels, [193-]. 'Big Tent Theatre...Federal Theatre for New York State Presents Their Entirely New and Different Jamboree Minstrels - Waterproof Tent Theatre - 500 Comfortable Seats...30 People - Stage, Screen and Radio Stars...Rain or Shine...Sponsored by Immanul [sic] Youth Association and Council'. The Federal Theatre Project, created by the U.S. Works Progress Administration in 1935, was designed to conserve and develop the skills of theater workers, re-employ them on public relief, and to bring theater to thousands in the United States who had never before seen live theatrical performances. Minstrel shows were a form of racist theatrical entertainment dating from the early 19th century. The shows consisted of comic sketches, variety acts, music and dance, usually performed by white people wearing blackface make-up, in a derogatory depiction of African Americans.