Guide to the Black Lavender Experience records, 2009-2018

John Hay Library , University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI, 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Published in 2019

Collection Overview

Title:	Black Lavender Experience records
Date range:	2009-2018
Creator:	Rites & Reason Theatre
Extent:	4 linear feet
Abstract:	The Black Lavender Experience (BLX) records contain the yearly master production books and many of the plays performed during each year's course. The course is described as an interdisciplinary approach to the study of plays that address the identities and issues of black gay men and lesbians and offers various perspectives from within and without the black gay and lesbian artistic communities. Also included are several dozen promotional posters and fliers. Focuses on analysis of unpublished titles. Also includes published works by Amiri Baraka, Bullins, Corbitt, Gibson, Shirlene Holmes, West, and Pomo Afro Homos.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	John Hay Library , University Archives and Manuscripts
Collection number:	OF.1ZAF.2019.010

Scope & content

The Black Lavender Experience (BLX) records contain the yearly master production books and many of the plays performed during each year's course. The course is described as an interdisciplinary approach to the study of plays that address the identities and issues of black gay men and lesbians and offers various perspectives from within and without the black gay and lesbian artistic communities. Also included are several dozen promotional posters and fliers. Focuses on analysis of unpublished titles. Also includes published works by Amiri Baraka, Bullins, Corbitt, Gibson, Shirlene Holmes, West, and Pomo Afro Homos.

Access Points

Subject Topics

• College theater
• Black theater
• Gay theater
• Homosexuality and theater

Arrangement

The collection has been arranged in one series.

• Series 1. The Black Lavender Experience

Biographical/Historical Note

The Black Lavender Experience (BLX) is a showcase of performances, workshops, and discussions sparked by black queer artists from across the country. It grew out of a course of the same name, created by Professor Elmo Terry-Morgan (Brown Class of 1974). When the course was created in 1998 it was the only one in the country to examine queer black theatre. The course is described as an interdisciplinary approach to the study of plays that address the identities and issues of black gay men and lesbians and offers various perspectives from within and without the black gay and lesbian artistic communities. Focuses on analysis of unpublished titles.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	Access to the collection requires permission of the University Archivist. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Black Lavender Experience records, OF.1ZAF.2019.010, Brown University Library
Contact information:	John Hay Library , University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI, 02912 Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148 Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Paul Jordan and Daniela Carney
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the RIAMCO EAD spreadsheet, 2019 November 12
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

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