Short answer

Incorporate diverse and authentic representation in design, and consider the community and cultural context in which designs are shared and received.

Field: Classic Design
Source: CU Scholar (University of Colorado Boulder) (2017)
Method: Textual analysis and historical research
Evidence: Moderate effect

Analysis of early 20th-century plays by Black female playwrights reveals the foundational elements of a distinct Black feminist theatre aesthetic. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in CU Scholar (University of Colorado Boulder). Using Textual analysis and historical research, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate diverse and authentic representation in design, and consider the community and cultural context in which designs are shared and received.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Early 20th Century Black Feminist Playwrights Established Foundational Aesthetic Principles

Analysis of early 20th-century plays by Black female playwrights reveals the foundational elements of a distinct Black feminist theatre aesthetic.

CU Scholar (University of Colorado Boulder) · 2017

Key Findings

01The analyzed plays offered nuanced and fully realized portrayals of Black identities, particularly Black female identities.
02Publication within Black community magazines like 'The Crisis' and 'The Birth Control Review' served as a method of community-based dissemination and rehearsal of Black identity.
03These works collectively demonstrate early evidence of a queer Black feminist theatre aesthetic that laid groundwork for later Black drama.

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate diverse and authentic representation in design, and consider the community and cultural context in which designs are shared and received.

How to apply

When analyzing historical design movements or artistic expressions, consider the contributions of underrepresented groups and the specific cultural contexts of their creation and dissemination.

Project actions

01When researching historical design, look beyond the dominant narratives to find the contributions of marginalized groups.
02Consider how the intended audience and the method of distribution influence the impact and meaning of a design or creative work.

Method & Evidence

AimTo identify and analyze the emergent aesthetic principles of queer Black feminist theatre as demonstrated in the works of Mary Powell Burrill, Angelina Weld Grimké, and Alice Dunbar Nelson between 1915 and 1920.

MethodTextual analysis and historical research

ProcedureThe research involved a close reading of three specific plays: 'Rachel' by Angelina Weld Grimké, 'They That Sit in Darkness' by Mary P. Burrill, and 'Mine Eyes Have Seen' by Alice Dunbar-Nelson. The analysis focused on how these works represented Black identities and experiences, and how their publication and dissemination within Black community publications contributed to the formation of a distinct aesthetic.

ContextEarly 20th Century American Theatre and Literature

Variables

IVPlaywrights' works and their publication context

DVEmergent queer Black feminist theatre aesthetic principles

CVTime period (1915-1920), playwrights' identities (Black, female)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Focuses on underrepresented voices in theatre history.
+Provides a detailed textual analysis of key works.

Limitations

The interpretation of 'queer' might be anachronistic, and the sample size of plays and playwrights is small.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be enhanced by having multiple researchers analyze the texts independently. Validity is strengthened by grounding the analysis in historical context and specific textual evidence, though the interpretation of 'aesthetic' can be subjective.

Think critically

To what extent can an aesthetic be considered 'established' by only three examples within a specific, limited timeframe, and how might a broader analysis alter these conclusions?

Design Principles

"Aesthetic principles often emerge from the specific socio-cultural contexts and lived experiences of marginalized groups, serving as a means of identity assertion and cultural preservation."

Understanding the historical development of aesthetic principles in design is crucial for contemporary practitioners. This research highlights how marginalized voices have historically shaped artistic expression, offering valuable insights into the evolution of cultural and artistic movements.

What This Means for Your Design

This research shows that Black women writers in the early 1900s created plays that were not just stories, but also helped Black people explore and understand their own identities, creating a unique style of theatre.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to support an argument about the historical development of an aesthetic or style, particularly in relation to cultural identity and representation.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This study highlights how early 20th-century Black female playwrights, through their theatrical works, established foundational aesthetic principles for Black feminist theatre. By creating complex Black identities and utilizing community publications for dissemination, they provided a vital space for the exploration and rehearsal of Black existence, demonstrating how marginalized groups can shape artistic movements.

Source

CU Scholar (University of Colorado Boulder)

Towards A Queer Black Feminist Theatre Aesthetic:: Black American Theater By Three Black Female Playwrights In The Years 1915-1920

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about early 20th century black feminist playwrights established foundational aesthetic principles?: Incorporate diverse and authentic representation in design, and consider the community and cultural context in which designs are shared and received. Evidence: CU Scholar (University of Colorado Boulder) (2017).
Why does "Early 20th Century Black Feminist Playwrights Established Foundational Aesthetic Principles" matter for design?: Understanding the historical development of aesthetic principles in design is crucial for contemporary practitioners. This research highlights how marginalized voices have historically shaped artistic expression, offering valuable insights into the evolution of cultural and artistic movements.
How can designers apply this research?: Incorporate diverse and authentic representation in design, and consider the community and cultural context in which designs are shared and received.
What were the main findings?: The analyzed plays offered nuanced and fully realized portrayals of Black identities, particularly Black female identities.. Publication within Black community magazines like 'The Crisis' and 'The Birth Control Review' served as a method of community-based dissemination and rehearsal of Black identity.. These works collectively demonstrate early evidence of a queer Black feminist theatre aesthetic that laid groundwork for later Black drama.
What research method was used?: Textual analysis and historical research.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from CU Scholar (University of Colorado Boulder).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When analyzing historical design movements or artistic expressions, consider the contributions of underrepresented groups and the specific cultural contexts of their creation and dissemination.
What are the limitations?: The study is limited to three specific playwrights and a narrow time frame, and the 'queer' aspect is an interpretation applied retrospectively.