Wash Norton
Wash Norton (fl 1860s) was an American singer, dancer and actor.
Also known as Mr Norton
Contents
Biography
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
A member of the "original" Christy Minstrels that visited South Africa in 1862. He was apparently an accomplished actor and one of two members who performed in blackface, "delineating a nigger characters" or performing in Ethiopian skits. He is also credited as the co-creator of the Ethiopian skit Nervous Cures.
He also seems to have been the leader of the troupe when they visited South Africa in 1862.
The company's successful appearances had a huge impact on popular entertainment in Cape Town and the country during the 19th century.
Sources
Sydney Morning Herald, 5 May, 1863[1]
The Australian Circus History Society Website[2]
W.J. Mahar. 1999. Behind the Burnt Cork Mask: Early Blackface Minstrelsy and Antebellum American Popular Culture. Volume 442 of Music in American life. University of Illinois Press, 1999
F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1916. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp. 139-140.
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