The Barrier: A New Musical Drama in a Prologue and Two Acts

Hughes, Langston [Libretto]

Published by Columbia Theater Associates of Columbia University, New York, 1950

About this Item

Original printed tri-fold playbill, with a typed slip for a replacement cast member laid-in; playbill is displayed in a two-sided black glass frame; sale also includes an original ticket stub tipped-in. Presentation copy from Langston Hughes, along with inscriptions from other cast and production members (Muriel Rahn who played Cora Lewis and Jan Meyerowitz who wrote the music). In 1949, Hughes reworked his pet thesis of the "tragic mulatto" from his 1928 play "Mulatto" into an opera, "The Barrier," the music written by modern composer, Jan Meyerowitz. The opera was first produced in the Brander Matthews Hall at Columbia University in 1950 and directed by Milton Smith. The playbill reproduces Hughes? thoughts on his libretto, "It concerns the bitter wall of color between the inhabitants of Albamar Plantation in contemporary Georgia, Colonel Thomas Norwood, his brown housekeeper, Cora Lewis, and their children?" A couple soft creases, else in fine condition.

Seller Inventory # 022889

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Barrier: A New Musical Drama in a Prologue and Two Acts
• Publisher: Columbia Theater Associates of Columbia University, New York
• Publication Date: 1950
• Language: English
• Binding: Soft cover
• Illustrator: Milton Smith (Director); Jan Meyerowitz (Music); Muriel Rahn (Actor)
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Drama
  • Black Writers
  • Signed First Editions