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Summary Of The Color Museum By George Wolfe

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The Colored Museum is a satire about African American Culture which examines the influence of history on African Americans. George C. Wolfe uses political theater’s alienation effect to engage the audience into critical thought. The title “The Colored Museum” is a direct correlation between the word “Museum” where ancient artifacts are unchanged and “Colored”, a word from the past which is figurative for stopping time and escape. The Colored Museum has 11 exhibits which mock different aspects of African American history and culture. Wolfe also illustrates the affects of African Americans assimilation into the European culture with exhibits such as, “The Hairpiece”. Wolfe urges African Americans to take a closer look at history to see the …show more content…

The design also uses different levels to display exhibit galleries. The play will also have prison bars to support Wolfes’ theory that African Americans are stuck in bondage which can be released. The set incorporates the mood by placing Egyptian pillars to a classic proscenium states conveying the feel of being inside a real museum. The platforms and statuesque exhibits tell the story of each exhibit represents the character’s life with props and consumes. The Photo Session and Symbiosis depict African Americans egotistical fame and materialism which use clothing, shoes and cameras to reflect the dramatic action. Cooking’ with Aunt Ethel demonstrates the perpetuation of stereotypes such as, Aunt Jemima who symbolizes black women is only good for cooking which use a cooking pot prop. The Hairpiece analyzes the psychological contradictions of African Americans regarding physical beauty with a straight head of hair and a kinky head of hair. A Soldier with a Secret reveals a gun as a prop as a symbol regarding the use of historical oppression to justify violence. The Party and Git on Board use drums as proof that ancestral roots can never be left

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