Wash Norton

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Wash Norton (fl 1860s) was an American singer, dancer and actor.

Also known as Mr Norton

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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