Glenda Dickerson, American director, choreographer, and educator (b. 1945)

Glenda Dickerson: A Trailblazing Visionary in American Theatre

Glenda Dickerson (February 9, 1945 – January 12, 2012) was a profound and multifaceted artist whose indelible contributions reshaped the landscape of American theatre. A singular force, she excelled as an iconic director, meticulous folklorist, innovative adaptor, prolific writer, captivating choreographer, compelling actor, dedicated Black theatre organizer, and inspiring educator. Dickerson's legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the American theatrical tradition, particularly through her pioneering promotion of a "womanist" direction in performance, which centered the unique experiences, voices, and spiritualities of Black women.

Championing a Womanist Vision and Thematic Depth

Dickerson's artistic philosophy was rooted in a deep exploration of folklore, ancient myths, rich Black legends, and classical works, which she consistently reinterpreted through a contemporary and culturally resonant lens. Her "womanist" approach, a term coined by acclaimed author Alice Walker, extended beyond conventional feminism to address the specific intersections of race, gender, and class within the lives of Black women. This perspective infused her work with unparalleled authenticity and power, offering fresh insights into timeless narratives and giving voice to often-marginalized stories.

Prestigious Venues and Acclaimed Recognition

Throughout her illustrious career, Dickerson's transformative work graced some of the most esteemed stages in the United States. Her directorial prowess was showcased in venues including the venerable Biltmore Theatre on Broadway, the experimental Circle in the Square in New York City, the culturally significant Lorraine Hansberry Theatre in San Francisco, and the nationally renowned Ford's Theatre and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Her exceptional talent did not go unnoticed, earning her an Emmy nomination in 1971 for her television work and the highly prestigious Peabody Award in 1972, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the arts.

Groundbreaking Works for the Stage

Dickerson was a prolific creator, conceiving and adapting numerous theatrical productions from a diverse array of dramatic and non-dramatic sources. Her impactful stage works include:

• Jesus Christ, Lawd Today: A compelling "miracle play" that reinterpreted biblical narratives through an African American cultural lens.
• Owen's Song
• The Unfinished Song
• Rashomon: An adaptation of the classic Japanese short stories and Akira Kurosawa film, showcasing her versatility in adapting global narratives.
• Torture of Mothers
• Jump at the Sun
• Re/Membering Aunt Jemima: A Menstrual Show: A particularly significant piece co-written with Breena Clarke, which boldly confronted and recontextualized the problematic "Aunt Jemima" stereotype within Black female identity and experience.
• Every Step I Take

One of her most unique and profound projects was Eel Catching in Setauket: A Living Portrait of a Community. Conceived and directed by Dickerson, this innovative oral history and creative performance project meticulously documented and brought to life the rich experiences and stories of the African-American Christian Avenue community in Setauket, Long Island, serving as a vital act of cultural preservation and celebration.

Captivating Performances and Literary Contributions

As a performer, Dickerson captivated audiences with her powerful one-woman shows, including Saffron Persephone Brown, The Flower-storm of a Brown Woman, and Spreading Lies. She also delivered a memorable performance in The Trojan Women: A Tale of Devastation for Two Voices, showcasing her depth as an actor.

Her literary contributions further cemented her scholarly and artistic impact. She authored African American Theater: A Cultural Companion, an essential resource for students and scholars alike. Additionally, she completed a two-disk DVD entitled What's Cookin' in the Kitchen? A Planetary Portrait 9/11/01 - 9/11/04, which meticulously documented her poignant "Kitchen Prayers" series, offering a unique perspective on community and resilience post-9/11.

A Distinguished Educator and Academic Leader

Beyond her direct artistic creations, Glenda Dickerson was a revered educator and academic leader, shaping generations of theatre artists and scholars. At the University of Michigan, she held the pivotal role of Head of the African American Theater Minor and served as the esteemed Director of the Center for World Performance Studies. Prior to her tenure at Michigan, she led the Department of Drama and Dance at Spelman College, a historically Black college for women known for its rigorous academic and artistic programs. She also taught at Rutgers University, impacting students across both its New Brunswick and Newark campuses. Her academic career also included serving as an Assistant Professor of Directing in the Department of Theater at Howard University, another prestigious Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and as Chair of the Theater Department at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts (formerly The School of the Arts at Western), a renowned institution for young aspiring artists.

Pioneering Broadway Director and Influential Mentor

Glenda Dickerson holds a significant place in theatre history, sharing the distinction with the legendary Vinnette Carroll as one of the few African-American women to have directed on Broadway. This achievement is particularly notable given the historical barriers and underrepresentation faced by Black women in leadership roles within mainstream theatre. Her directorial guidance profoundly impacted many acclaimed actors, including Debbie Allen, Lynn Whitfield, Charles Brown, Philip Michael Thomas, Robert Townsend, Clifton Powell, and numerous others, solidifying her legacy as an influential mentor and a formidable artistic leader.

Frequently Asked Questions about Glenda Dickerson

What was Glenda Dickerson's primary contribution to American theatre?

Glenda Dickerson was primarily known for promoting and developing a "womanist" direction in theatre, focusing on reinterpreting folklore, myths, Black legends, and classical works through the unique experiences and perspectives of Black women. She was also a pioneering African-American woman director on Broadway.

What does "womanist" theatre mean?

"Womanist" theatre, influenced by Alice Walker's concept of womanism, is a theatrical approach that centers the lives, spirituality, and culture of Black women. It seeks to explore themes of race, gender, and class from a specific Black female perspective, often addressing issues of liberation and self-definition.

What prestigious awards did Glenda Dickerson receive?

Glenda Dickerson received an Emmy nomination in 1971 and was awarded the esteemed Peabody Award in 1972, recognizing her significant contributions to media and performance.

Where did Glenda Dickerson hold academic positions?

Glenda Dickerson held significant academic roles at several prominent institutions, including the University of Michigan (Head of African American Theater Minor, Director of Center for World Performance Studies), Spelman College (Head of Drama and Dance Department), Rutgers University, Howard University (Assistant Professor of Directing), and The Duke Ellington School of the Arts (Chair of Theater Department).

Which of Glenda Dickerson's works addressed the "Aunt Jemima" stereotype?

Glenda Dickerson co-wrote and conceived Re/Membering Aunt Jemima: A Menstrual Show with Breena Clarke, a significant work that critically examined and re-envisioned the historical and cultural implications of the "Aunt Jemima" stereotype.