David Harewood on Blackface

Streaming video - 2023

In this compelling documentary, actor David Harewood explores the complex history of blackface minstrelsy, tracing its origins to the early 19th-century American stage and its popularization in Britain. Featuring interviews with historians, performers, and cultural critics, the film examines how minstrelsy became a global phenomenon, rooted in racial mockery and stereotypes. Harewood reflects on his own experiences and the legacy of shows like "The Black and White Minstrel Show," which attracted millions of viewers in the UK during the mid-20th century. Through a blend of historical analysis and personal narrative, the documentary offers an in-depth look at the ongoing impact of blackface on entertainment and racial identity, reve...aling its deep and troubling influence on popular culture. more