Cultural crossings: Irish, Caribbean and the Harlem connections – an exploration of theatre, text, and visual art

This thesis examines the cultural intersections between Ireland, the Caribbean, and Harlem through an exploration of theatre, literature, and visual art. This thesis investigates the relationship between the Irish Literary Renaissance and the Harlem Renaissance to assess the extent of their transatlantic connections and the ways in which both movements sought to reshape cultural and national identity through artistic expression. This study addresses gaps in Harlem Renaissance scholarship, particularly the underrepresentation of the Caribbean writers and intellectuals as key participants in the cultural movement. This research examines the efforts of writers, artists and political groups who challenged harmful stereotypes of Irish and African American people, highlighting the different approaches that were taken to reclaim identity and representation. Through an analysis of key texts and art, this thesis identifies the cultural crossings between these movements. The Abbey Theatre’s 1911 tour of the United States, Eugene O’Neill’s 1920 play The Emperor Jones, and the issues of the Survey Graphic that focus on Ireland and Harlem serve as focal points. The contributions of Caribbean writers Claude McKay and Eric Walrond are also evaluated to emphasise how their migrant backgrounds shape their literary portrayals of Black and Caribbean identities in the novel Home to Harlem and the short story collection, Tropic Death. Through investigating these cultural dialogues, this research expands discussions on resistance, and identity formation. It underscores the power of literature, theatre, and art in shaping historical narratives and encourages further exploration of transatlantic and global artistic movements, particularly in the context of ongoing struggles for representation and self-determination.