Trouble in Mind
by Alice Childress

Name: Trouble in Mind
Brand: Alice Childress
SKU: 9780573709968
Rating: 4.04 (1 reviews)

Trouble in Mind Book Cover — Trouble in Mind Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

120 mins1950sRole(s) for Black Actor(s)Interior SetPeriod CostumesComedy

Awards & Recognition

Tony Award

Nominee: 2022 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the timeless relevance of this play, written almost 70 years ago, as it addresses the struggles of Black actors in the theatre. Many find the combination of humor and poignant commentary on race relations deeply impactful, making it an essential read and performance. Its meta-theatrical elements are particularly celebrated for adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Timely and relevant themesThought-provoking meta-commentaryStrong emotional journeyIntelligent humor and layersSlow start in Act I

Synopsis

Trouble in Mind; A radical satire of racism in theatre, widely considered the masterpiece of actress and playwright Alice Childress.

Press Reviews

"The play of the moment... A fascinating knot of racial politics and dramatic theory."
— The New York Times

"It will take your breath away."
— Associated Press

"Teems with ideas and robust characters."
— The Hollywood Reporter

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Henry The theater's elderly doorman.	—	—	The theater's elderly doorman.
John Nevins A young actor.	—	—	A young actor.
Millie Davis An actress, about thirty-five years old.	female	—	An actress, about thirty-five years old.
Judy Sears A young actress (white).	female	—	A young actress (white).
Sheldon Forrester An elderly character actor.	—	—	An elderly character actor.
Al Manners The director (white), in his early forties, a well-tweeded product of Hollywood.	male	—	The director (white), in his early forties, a well-tweeded product of Hollywood.
Eddie Fenton The stage manager (white), eager and quick.	—	—	The stage manager (white), eager and quick.
Bill O'Wray A character actor (white), worried at all times, except when he's performing.	—	—	A character actor (white), worried at all times, except when he's performing.
Wiletta Mayer A middle-aged actress.	female	—	A middle-aged actress.