Dec 26, 2009

The Emperor Jones | Critical Overview

On the night of November 1, 1920, The Emperor Jones opened Off-Broadway for a short run at the 200-seat Provincetown Players’ Playwright’s Theatre on Macdougal Street, and it was an immediate and huge success. The first-night audience refused to leave even after repeated curtain calls, and early the next morning long lines formed at the box office. Because one had to be a ‘‘member’’ to see the company’s productions, the group’s subscription list doubled within days and the projected twoweek run was extended. In part the play was a great novelty as it presented an...