1966–S.F. Mime Troupe-That Minstrel Show-Civil Rights in a Cracker Barrel-San Francisco State University Handbill-PAE Near Mint '89'

A double sided original handbill! Super clean and pinhole free condition! The San Francisco Mime Troupe is a legendary fixture in the psychedelic era landscape. Shortly after Bill Graham became the Troupe’s manager in 1965 their founder R. G. “Ronnie” Davis was indicted for performing in public parks without a permit. In response Graham organized the first Mime Troupe fundraising event. These events were so popular that he held two more fundraising events. The third fundraiser featured a performance by the Warlocks later to be known as the Grateful Dead.

The design on this handbill would NEVER be acceptable for public promotion of any event by today's standards. This Minstrel Show was performed by the Mime Troupe in black face and it offended many - both black and white. Such negative representations of black people left a damaging legacy in popular culture especially in art and entertainment. Minstrel shows during this era were often the only depiction of black life that white audiences saw. These shows desensitized white people to the horrors of slavery. The performances also promoted demeaning stereotypes of black people that helped confirm the white's unethical notion of superiority. Several years later however the SF Mime Troupe changed direction towards more sketch comedy - meets - musical revue type productions doing away with the older Minstrel Shows of the past. 

Handbill – S.F.Mime Troupe San Francisco State University
Subtitle - A Minstrel Show Civil Rights in a Cracker Barrel
Grade – PAE Near Mint 89
Bill –  S.F. Mime Troupe
Venue – San Francisco State College Main Auditorium
City – San Francisco CA
Date – 3/15/66
Dimensions – 8 1/2" x 11"
Printing – OHB-A Original Pre-Concert First Printing
Condition Details - Super clean & pinhole free! 100% Original with no restoration. Toning spots. View the detailed high res photo of this lot. Click on the thumbnail photo to see an enlarged photo. Click a second time on the magnifying glass in the upper right corner of the enlarged photo. A super high res image with every millimeter will now be clearly displayed. For a personalized eyewitness examination call 410-464-6180 11:00 am to 6:00pm eastern.

*****This handbill is available for inspection at our gallery by appointment. *****

*A 20% Buyers Premium will be added to the final hammer price of this lot.*