Whiting Up

“Whiting Up . . . interrogates the many contributions of African Americans to popular American entertainment.” — Journal of American History

“A compelling and highly readable study that makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of racial identity in American popular entertainment.” — Journal of American Studies

“The first full-length study of a heretofore slighted, largely ignored subversive performative phenomenon. . . . Highly recommended. All readers.” — CHOICE

“Discusses a fascinating and understudied segment of race in America. . . . Adds a welcome layer of complexity.” — H-South

“Ambitious in scope, meticulously researched, and written in a thoroughly engaging style, Whiting Up is a much-needed cultural analysis of African-American whiteface performance — cakewalks, Sunday promenades, acting, and comedy shows — from the late eighteenth century to the present. This book will have a major impact on cultural studies, performance studies, African American studies, critical race studies, and literary criticism.” — Malini Johar Schueller, University of Florida, author of Locating Race: Global Sites of Post-Colonial Citizenship and U.S. Orientalisms: Race, Nation and Gender in Literature, 1790–1890

“In this exciting new book, Marvin McAllister rewardingly investigates the fascinating theatrical history of what he terms 'whiting up.' Moving from the colonial and antebellum periods to contemporary solo performance and standup comedy, McAllister deftly constructs a genealogy of black performers in whiteface and of black actors playing white identified characters. He reveals how these performers and performances potently contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the relationship between race and representation. Whiting Up is an important and bold study that provides critical insight into how race has been and continues to be performed.” — Harry J. Elam Jr., Stanford University