“Act Black”: Poster House Exhibition Celebrates Black Performance History

A new exhibition at New York’s Poster House, titled “Act Black: Posters from Black American Stage & Screen,” delves into the rich history of Black performers from the late 19th century through the 1940s. The exhibition, running from March 13 to September 6, 2026, showcases rare advertising posters—often the only remaining evidence of significant productions featuring Black actors—and explores the transition of Black storytelling from stage to screen.

From Blackface to Black Expression

The exhibition highlights a pivotal period when Black performers actively challenged dehumanizing stereotypes prevalent in American entertainment. Starting in the 1880s, theatrical productions began advertising “All Colored Revues” to distinguish themselves from minstrel shows featuring white performers in blackface. These revues aimed to build narratives around Black experiences and represent a significant development in Black American cultural expression.

Playwrights and composers expanded the representation of Black humanity on stage, adding emotional depth and diverse perspectives to their function. As movies gained popularity in the 1920s, they reached wider audiences and provided new platforms for Black storytelling through “All Colored Casts.”

The Significance of Lost Films and Enduring Posters

Many theatrical performances from this era were never recorded, and numerous films featuring all-Black casts have been lost over time. Advertising posters have become invaluable historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into these important productions and the performers who brought them to life. The exhibition at Poster House documents the innovations of playwrights, composers, directors, and producers who worked to represent Black life and experiences through their creative visions.

Virtual and In-Person Engagement

Poster House will host a Virtual Vibrant Verbal Description Tour of the “Act Black” exhibition on June 30, 2026, specifically designed for community members who are blind or have low vision. Interested individuals can register by emailing access@posterhouse.org or calling (914) 295-2387. The museum as well offers in-person accessibility tours and strives to accommodate outside accessibility requests with two weeks’ notice.

Exhibition Merchandise

A range of merchandise related to the “Act Black” exhibition is available through the Poster House shop, including exhibition posters, sticker sheets, and magnets featuring imagery from the showcased productions. Books such as “Separate Cinema: The First 100 Years of Black Poster Art,” “Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971,” and “Hollywood Black: The Stars, the Films, the Filmmakers” are available for purchase. Shop the collection here.

A Conversation with Curators

A conversation with Ian Bradley-Perrin and Es-pranza Humphrey, the curators of the exhibition, will be held on March 14, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.