Marjorie Moon

We are thrilled to be part of Project 1 Voice, a unique and original collaboration and benefit for theatres of color.

On Monday, June 20, 2011, seventeen African-American theatres across the country will engage in a national day of celebration of African-American theatre by producing benefit staged readings of Trouble In Mind, the classic comedy-drama, by Alice Childress, the first African-American playwright to be honored with an Obie Award.

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011

Trouble in Mind is a powerfully incendiary and satiric drama based on the conflict of not compromising one’s artistic integrity. This play within a play follows the journey of a mixed-raced cast in 1957 as they embark upon rehearsals for a racially-charged play. Childress shows the actors’ complaints, directors’ frustration and even with the well-meaning efforts of theater professionals to overcome their racial feelings. As the play unfolds each character is revealed, along with their cavalier approach to the scripts they hold. There is so much humor that the playwright's theme within the theme will leave today’s modern audience marveling at how insightful and fresh the play feels today.

Alice Childress (playwright) has been described as a distinguished woman of her time, a literary genius, a great collaborator and an inspiration for African American women in drama. While her work has been overlooked, it is time to give Childress the proper spotlight she deserves.