BUSH, ANITA

(1883-1974)

   The African American theatre manager was born in Washington, D.C. In 1903, she began touring as a dancer with a black company in vaudeville, and worked with Bert Williams and George Walker. After an injury, she organized a legitimate company of black actors in Harlem at the Lincoln Theatre in 1915. The Anita Bush All-Colored Dramatic Stock Company moved to Harlem's Lafayette Theatre in 1916. Under the name Lafayette Players, the company became well-known in its original location, on tour, and after 1928, in Los Angeles.