Black Theatre in Montreal and Toronto in the Sixties and Seventies: The Struggle for Recognition

Abstract

In the sixties, Blacks in Montreal made up a tiny percentage of the population. Apart from the English-speaking West Indians, there was also a group of French (Creole)-speaking Haitians. Interestingly enough, at that period, geography did not matter, but language and culture did, so English- and French-speaking Caribbean migrants had little to do with one another. The migrants performed in community-based theatre. Productions were staged in church and community halls and school auditoriums. The actors, stage managers and costume designers were housewives, civil servants, nurses, teachers, doctors and other professionals. Rehearsals were held on evenings and on weekends and productions were on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. After the final show, more often than not, a party for cast, crew and volunteers was held.