S8 Ep620: 2. Headline: Developing Talent in Harlem’s Negro Unit Guest Author: James Shapiro The Federal Theater Project aimed to develop Black talent by establishing "negro units" across America. The New York unit at the Lafayette Theater was initially led by BroaE
The John Batchelor Show · John Batchelor
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Show Notes
2. Headline: Developing Talent in Harlem’s Negro Unit Guest Author: James Shapiro The Federal Theater Project aimed to develop Black talent by establishing "negro units" across America. The New York unit at the Lafayette Theater was initially led by Broadway star Rose McClendon, who recognized the importance of developing Black actors and directors. She brought in John Houseman, then a struggling administrator, who subsequently recruited a nineteen-year-old Orson Welles to direct his first professional Shakespeare play. This initiative provided revolutionary opportunities for Black performers in an industry where they were previously barred from even working as ushers. (2)
1940