Theatre as Emergency Treatment Promoting Social Justice: An Examination of Daniel Beaty's Work in the Context of African American Theatre

Abstract

In this paper, the author focuses on the work of playwright Daniel Beaty in the context of African American theatre beginning with the griot and focusing on playwrights of the 20th century as well as Beaty’s contemporaries today. In Daniel Beaty, young people see someone like themselves: a young, energetic, intelligent, inspired, passionate person, who, despite socioeconomic and familial challenges, rose up through the arts of theatre, writing, music, and performance to deliver a powerful message: the time has come for social justice in this country and we all must play a role in that transformation. Indeed, his voice resonates with many—and may well speak for a great many more. It is through his work with children—as well as on the national stage—that Beaty is truly an agent for social justice and, therefore, is one to watch in the years to come: he may just become part of the canon of great African American playwrights and therefore a force in American theatre at large.