Conveying Black Experiences Through Performance

• Aliyah Jackson, Animal Science, University of Delaware

• Hassan El-Amin, Theater & Dance, University of Delaware

What goes into creating a culturally significant story? For decades, many talented Black writers have answered this question in their own unique ways, bringing the stories of their people to life. Throughout history, Black people have used their creativity to convey experiences that are deeply personal and nuanced. This tradition has evolved and extends into the present day, as Black screenwriters and playwrights continue to give audiences the opportunity to see these stories unfold before their eyes. In this project, I used my passion for writing and storytelling to create my own narrative and educate my audience on the process and importance of telling the complex stories of Black people. Drawing from historical and cultural analyses of iconic Black performances and films, I developed an original screenplay and accompanying digital portfolio that reflects complex themes of identity, spirituality, and grief through a cultural lens. The digital portfolio—which includes the script, character and setting development, creative inspirations, and cultural analysis—allows the audience to engage with the story on multiple levels. By contributing my voice and narrative to the existing collection of impactful stories, I aim to deepen the conversation on how performance serves as both resistance and affirmation for Black communities.