Changing the Dynamics of Music: Musical Theater

African American musical theater relates to the historic musical theater of the African American community. This began prominently in New York City during the first half of the 20th Century. Musical theater was widely expressed during The Harlem Renaissance; in which it was a movement characterized by the flourishing of literature, art and music by African Americans who sought self-expression, and to dismantle the myth that blacks were incapable of producing creative and thought provoking works. Shuffle Along (1921 – 504 performances) was the first major production in more than a decade to be produced. It was written and performed entirely by African Americans. Musical theater was a way for blacks to create themselves through an expressive style. As well as display the social issues that were going on at the time.