In his lecture Charles Musser, professor of American Studies, Film & Media Studies and Theatre Studies at Yale University, addresses the historical and contemporary perspectives of two movies from the 1920s: The Ancient Law (1923), and The Jazz Singer (1927). He situates the films in the wider context of the cinema of the time and considers how each film addresses antisemitism as well as the burning question of the history of blackface as a theatrical convention. The lecture is followed by a panel discussion with academics.
Light refreshments are served. The event is complimentary, but registration is required.