Harlem Theater
Synopsis
HARLEM, USA: in the aftermath of Martin Luther King’s murder, German filmmaker Klaus Wildenhahn turned his 16mm camera on the New Lafayette Theatre as its players rehearsed scenes, ran public workshops and conducted exercises in uptown Manhattan. New Lafayette (or NLT) had been founded by actor-director Robert Macbeth the previous year, with the aim of producing theater for black people, by black people, to reflect the experiences and vernacular of the Harlem community. Within the Black Arts Movement, NLT would become a significant institution: it published the journal Black Theatre, and employed a host of talents – including the Black Panthers’ Minister of Culture, Ed Bullins, and the great pianist Junior Mance, both of whom appear in Wildenhahn’s film as resident collaborators.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Klaus Wildenhahn
- Screenplay & Story
- Klaus Wildenhahn
- Original Title
- Harlem Theater
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- English, German
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Production Studios
- NDR
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Klaus Wildenhahn
Klaus Wildenhahn
Christian Blackwood
Department Leadership Roster
Christian Blackwood
Director of Photography
Klaus Wildenhahn
Director
Klaus Wildenhahn
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Harlem Theater.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harlem Theater
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Harlem Theater about?
HARLEM, USA: in the aftermath of Martin Luther King’s murder, German filmmaker Klaus Wildenhahn turned his 16mm camera on the New Lafayette Theatre as its players rehearsed scenes, ran public workshops and conducted exercises in uptown Manhattan. New Lafayette (or NLT) had been founded by actor-director Robert Macbeth the previous year, with the aim of producing theater for black people, by black people, to reflect the experiences and vernacular of the Harlem community. Within the Black Arts Movement, NLT would become a significant institution: it published the journal Black Theatre, and employed a host of talents – including the Black Panthers’ Minister of Culture, Ed Bullins, and the great pianist Junior Mance, both of whom appear in Wildenhahn’s film as resident collaborators.
Who directed Harlem Theater?
Harlem Theater was directed by Klaus Wildenhahn.
Who stars in Harlem Theater?
The principal cast of Harlem Theater includes Robert MacBeth, Ed Bullins, Bobby Seale, Yvette Hawkins, George Miles.
When was Harlem Theater released and how long is it?
Harlem Theater was released in 1969 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.