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Department of

Theatre

Trouble in Mind

A woman holding a piece of paper
By Alice Childress
Directed by Kashi Johnson
Diamond Theater, Zoellner Arts Center

A talented and experienced Black actress has been cast in Chaos in Belleville, an anti-lynching play set to open on Broadway. She's paid her dues throughout the years, playing stereotypical supporting roles in second-rate shows, and is ready for her star turn. Chaos in Belleville, written by a white playwright, might not be quite as enlightened a piece as she's been hoping for — but that doesn't mean it won't sell out. And selling out is the question at the heart of Alice Childress's comedy-drama. A cast of multigenerational Black actors rehearse under the purview of a white director and stage manager, and as the rehearsal process unfolds, theatre conventions and racial politics collide, resulting in a surprisingly funny yet deeply piercing look at the entertainment industry.

Gallery
Three actors singing while other actors watch them on stage.
The company rehearses the play within the play, Chaos in Belleville, as Director Al Manners guides the company through a charged scene, where art and truth collide.
Actress wearing a coat looking up the ceiling with an actor standing behind her wearing a hat.
Wiletta pauses to remember the path that led her here, while Henry bears quiet witness.
Actors sitting around a table looking at an actress while she standing and talking.
A moment of candor as Judy opens up about her experiences.
Actor dressed in a suit talking with his right arm raised, while an actress talks to him from behind.
An introductory exchange between John Nevins and Wiletta Mayer captures a moment of optimism and ambition early in the play.
Three actors singing while other actors watch them on stage.
Actress wearing a coat looking up the ceiling with an actor standing behind her wearing a hat.
Actors sitting around a table looking at an actress while she standing and talking.
Actor dressed in a suit talking with his right arm raised, while an actress talks to him from behind.

For more images from this production, please reach out to the department of theatre at dal5@lehigh.edu.

Digital Program