Who is Hatshepsut from The America Play, and Other Works and what is their importance?

The Egyptian and therefore dark skinned Hatshepsut was just what her name implies - once married to a pharaoh who, after his death, assumed the mantle and responsibilities of royalty herself. She is an image not only of an empowered black woman, but of an empowered black person. Her presence is therefore an ironic counterpoint to the more negative and stereotypical presences around her.