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Kodak Canada Corporate Archives and Heritage Collection Item Entertainers
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Third Annual Kodak Minstrel Show - "Minstrel Maids"

The photograph depicts a female group of 9 women with blackface in costumes of matching striped hats and dresses. The Minstrel Show of which this troupe was one act, held three performances at the Crystal Theatre in April 1922.

The performers were part of a Kodak Minstrel Show, performed by Canadian Kodak employees and held by the Kodak Athletics Association (KAA) during the 1920's.

Minstrel shows are a style of variety show, most popular during the late 19th and early 20th century, in which white performers use make-up and costumes to depict racist and stereotypical caricatures of Black people. The genre originated in the United States, but Canada had its own troupes and touring companies, and the format was popular with schools, community groups, and religious organizations.

Kodak Canada Inc.

First Annual Kodak Minstrel Show

Item consists of a mounted photograph depicting the cast of the Kodak Minstrel Show, that took place on May 3rd, 1920. The cast of 35 includes 32 men, most of whom are in blackface, wearing wigs and makeup, and three women in regular dress. Minstrel variety shows were performed during the 1920's by Canadian Kodak employees as part of the Kodak Athletics Association (KAA) activities.

Minstrel shows are a style of variety show, most popular during the late 19th and early 20th century, in which white performers use make-up and costumes to depict racist and stereotypical caricatures of Black people. The genre originated in the United States, but Canada had its own troupes and touring companies, and the format was popular with schools, community groups, and religious organizations.

Kodak Canada Inc.