Although there is no history of minstrel shows in Germany, Mr Schendel says "blackface is part of a theatre tradition" in Germany.

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Meanwhile, in New Orleans theatres, the stages were overtaken by racist minstrel shows, in which white performers sang and danced in blackface to upbeat tunes.

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Whatever its reputation, burlesque was no more than the latest version of a popular entertainment that had its origin in the 19th century in touring minstrel shows and which had expanded into permanent variety theatres to cater for the massive growth in America's population.

ECONOMIST: Joey Faye | The