American schools before and during the racism were segregated into whites and colored schools where the colored kids were not allowed to be in a white school and vice versa. Although the nation claimed to be an independent country, the issue of racism and prejudice was still very much prevalent and common among the majority of the people.
The segregation of schools began to be adopted with the passing of the Jim Crows laws which gave the white people the right to do anything regarding slaves and blacks in general. The end of the 21st century did not bring about the complete desegregation of the schools. rather, this segregated school still continues for a long time, although some states had started abolishing this practice and made their schools available for all. Though there are no increase in the segregation practice of schools, there is still no full desegregation.
They more than likely wanted the play to last longer, and/or wanted a more dramatic effect. They add more drama but beside that not much. I think it personally had more impact as it drove the narrative and you felt more from the scenes
