South Before the War

This Louisville, KY, production was the first of three plays set in the South. Produced by whites, it featured a company of mostly black and some white players; the show had as many as 100 cast members at its high point.

John and Herman Wallum (alias Harry or Henry Martell), who took the production to New York City, managed the show.

For more see A History of African American Theatre, by E. Hill; and The South Before the War Company Papers at Yale University.