A B&W photographic print of a group of Brighton seafront entertainers, dressed as different nationalities from around the world. Several of the individuals are 'blacked up'. Man in front centre row may be Jack Sheppard.
This photographic print shows a group of Brighton seafront entertainers. The performers are dressed as a variety of racial and national stereotypes, with two of the performers 'blacked up'. 'Blacked up' minstrels were a regular feature of Brighton seafront in the early 1900s. It is sometimes argued that this tradition grew from white performers emulating black slave entertainers they admired in the southern states of America. However, these 'blacked up' performers often portrayed black men using crude racist parodies. This particular troupe seems to have widened its focus. In addition to the two 'blackface' perfomers, a 'Chinaman' and an 'Indian' can also be seen.
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