The Jane White Papers consist of 3.75 linear ft. dating from to 1924 to 2001. Types of materials include scripts, newspaper clippings, notes, publicity, correspondence, audiotapes, and photographs.

The bulk of the papers concern Jane White's theatrical career. These materials, enhanced by White's eloquent self-reflections in interviews generated by her work on stage, document the career of a versatile performer. Her tenuous place on the color line brings into relief the shifting perceptions of racial identity over the span of the civil rights era and beyond, particularly as they emerged and developed in the professional theatre. Documents in the collection reveal White's thoughts about her personal life and political activist heritage as well as the craft of her work. There is evidence of how she constructed her characters and executed performances. A small amount of biographical information highlights White's life outside the theatre, and the many photographs show her onstage as well as in more candid poses. While the collection documents Jane White's life and work and, to a lesser extent, that of her husband Alfredo Viazzi, her perspective on her prominent family lends insight into studies of parents Walter and Gladys White.

Note: This collection has not been fully processed and additions are expected.

This collection is organized into three series:

• I. BIOGRAPHICAL MATERIAL
• II. PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
• III. PHOTOGRAPHS
• OVERSIZE MATERIALS