Written by
Shange, Ntozake, American, 1948 - 2018
Mann, Emily, American, born 1952
Carroll, Baikida, American, born 1947
Date
1985
Medium
ink on paper with metal
Dimensions
H x W x D: 11 × 8 1/2 × 1 in. (27.9 × 21.6 × 2.5 cm)
Description
An original manuscript for Betsey Brown: A Rhythm and Blues Musical. The manuscript is typewritten in black ink on white paper, with a light brown paper cover, and is bound by a silver-colored metal device. Text on the cover reads [OCTOBER 1990] at the top proper left corner. There is text in the center which reads [BETSEY BROWN / A Rhythm and Blues Musical / by / Ntozake Shange and Emily Mann / Music Composed by Baikida Carroll / Lyrics by Ntozake Shange / Emily Mann / Baikida Carroll / Based on an original idea / by Ntozake Shange / COPYRIGHT 1985 c PROPERTY OF / Emily Mann and Ntozake Shange / NOT FOR DUPLICATION]. The first interior page of the manuscript has the musical numbers listed by Prologue, Act I, and Act II and the second page lists the dance numbers for each act. The remaining pages contain the script with lyrics, dialogue, and stage directions. There are 91 pages, apart from the covers. The back cover is blank. The manuscript has several marks, folds, creases, and areas of discoloration.
Classification
Documents and Manuscripts
Topic
Literature
Musical Theatre
Poetry
Rhythm and blues (Music)
Theatre
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ntozake Shange
Object number
2016.131.5
Restrictions & Rights
© Ntozake Shange
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52c47ef11-6ea0-491e-ace0-5bf4068a0416

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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