Drama, Art and Music Meet America's Forgotten History
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| What is THE BANJO LESSON? |
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| The Banjo Lesson by Henry Tanner, 1893 |
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| The Banjo Lesson by Mary Cassatt, 1893 |
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In 1893, American painters, Mary Cassatt and Henry Ossawa Tanner were both living in Paris, and, independently of each other, created paintings titled, "The Banjo Lesson". Both born and raised in Pennsylvania, Mary Cassatt was from an upper class Anglo-American family, and Henry Tanner was the son of a modest African-American minister.
Inspired by these images, and intrigued by the potential meaning behind them, Paul Sedgwick created a theatre piece which explores the role of the banjo in American society. The banjo represents America's earliest pop culture phenomenon and exemplifies the blending of African, African-American and Anglo-American folk traditions, which is the staple of all American pop culture. This history flows from the characters presented in the play-- their stories and their music. Mr. Sedgwick creates distinct and startling characters utilizing masks, simple costumes and intriguing period instruments.
This program is appropriate for middle school and high school audiences, corporate and festival functions, and general adult audiences. |
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| Mr. Sedgwick in costume holding reproduction minstrel era (1850's) banjo (by James Hartel) |
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| S.S. Stewart Thoroughbred, early 1880's |
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| "Plantation Banjo" by Paul Sedgwick, Jola Akonting, Haitian Banza, by Paul Sedgwick |
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The masks are hand-made by Mr. Sedgwick and modelled after historical characters. The gasps from the audience are audible as the characters appear before their very eyes.
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| Horace Weston, 1825-1890. The "Hercules" of the banjo. |
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| Horace Weston mask, by Paul Sedgwick |
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| Lotta Crabtree, "Miss Lotta," 1847-1924 |
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| Miss Lotta Mask |
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