On May 15, 1923, The Chip Woman’s Fortune by Willis Richardson made history as the first dramatic work by an African American playwright to be produced on Broadway. Premiering at the Frazee Theatre, the one-act play centered on working-class African American characters and offered a rare, dignified portrayal of Black life during the Harlem Renaissance. Its debut marked a pivotal step in breaking racial barriers on the American stage, opening doors for future generations of Black dramatists, including Lorraine Hansberry and August Wilson. Richardson, a prolific playwright and literary figure, emphasized realism and cultural representation in his work, challenging stereotypes in a predominantly white theater world.
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