Exhibit Overview:

Brown Skin Showgirls: Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana Revue (1930s–1960s)

Title: Brown Skin Showgirls: Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana Revue (1930s–1960s)
Details: This exhibit delves into the groundbreaking fusion of Black and Cuban cultures through Leon Claxton’s legendary Harlem in Havana revue. It celebrates the show’s historical significance from the 1930s to the 1960s and its impact on Black burlesque and Afro-Cuban cultural exchange.
Target Audience: All ages, particularly those interested in burlesque history, American entertainment, and Black and Afro-Cuban cultural heritage.

A. Museum Exhibit Plan

Section 1: Bally (Introduction Area):

Description: The foundation of Leon Claxton’s career and the birth of the Harlem in Havana revue. This section sets the stage for the historical context, focusing on his early career and the Royal American Shows on the North American carnival circuit.

Section 2: 1940s – Black Burlesque and Traveling Jig Shows

Description: A deep dive into the rise of traveling girl shows and Black burlesque during the 1940s. Highlighting the unique Harlem in Havana troupe’s tours across North America, this section explores the traveling lifestyle, the performances, and the cultural significance of Black burlesque during segregation.

Section 3: 1950s – Harlem in Havana & The Cuban Influence

Description: This section celebrates the Afro-Cuban performers and their influence on Harlem in Havana. It also examines the effects of the Cuban Revolution on talent recruitment and how the revue became a unique blend of American and Cuban entertainment.

Section 4: 1960s – The Harlem Revue

Description: As the revue evolved, it became The Harlem Revue and continued its legacy, influencing American entertainment into the 1960s. This section looks at the final performances and the lasting impact of Leon Claxton on the world of burlesque.

B. Virtual Experience

1. Virtual Tour:

An interactive online experience replicating the physical exhibit. Digitized show posters, photos, and video interviews.
Online gallery featuring rare images and videos of the Harlem in Havana revue.
Visitors can explore digital collections, such as performer photos, show memorabilia, and original newspaper clippings.

2. Educational Resources:

Downloadable articles and resources for educators and history enthusiasts.
Virtual events such as live-streamed panels, discussions, and mini-performances.

C. Goals of the Exhibit

Inspire: Celebrate the resilience and creativity of Black and Cuban performers during the Jim Crow era. Show the intersection of culture, race, and entertainment.
Educate: Offer a comprehensive look at Afro-Cuban and African American entertainment history. Provide context for the broader social changes happening during the era.
Entertain: Engage visitors with a dynamic multimedia experience that highlights the colorful world of burlesque, music, and carnival entertainment.

Contact:

Leslie Cunningham, Filmmaker/Curator
Email: lesliecunninghampro@gmail.com
Mobile: 919-806-6928