By Sue Suchyta
The powerful performances of the strong cast bring out the best in Alice Childress’ drama “Trouble in Mind,” directed by Jennifer Goff as part of the PhD Directors’ Series at Wayne State University’s Studio Theatre.
IN THE SHADOW OF OLD MAIN
The theatre, located in the lower level of the Hilberry Theatre on the Wayne State campus in Detroit, opened “Trouble in Mind” the Friday after Thanksgiving to a nearly sold-out house. It runs for one more weekend, with 8 p.m. shows Friday and Saturday.
Tickets are $12 for general admission, with $10 admission for students with I.D., seniors and alumni.
A PLAY WITHIN A PLAY
The story uses the device of a “play within a play.” Set in 1957, an integrated cast gathers to rehearse a drama with an anti-lynching message. The black members of the cast are initially thrilled that they are moving beyond servant parts and other stereotypical roles.
PAST IMPERFECT
However, they soon realize that their characterizations in the southern anti-lynching drama portray them as powerless and ineffectual, reflecting a subtle yet insidious northern white male bias. They realize then that their progress is not what they hoped it would be, and that their opinions are still neither respected nor validated.
PLAYRIGHT’S REALITY MIRRORED SCRIPT
Ironically, Childress’ drama never made it to Broadway, because she refused to change the ending and title for those financing her project.
BRIDGETTE JORDAN
Bridgette Jordan brings both a spine of steel along with strength and dignity to the role of Wiletta Mayer, a black actress cast in the role of victim, a mother who does nothing to prevent her son’s lynching. She evolves from a distance politeness to pointed pleading with the white male director who won’t change the character’s dialogue to empower her.
Bridgette Jordan conveys to audiences that her inner-self respect is on the line as well, and that her unbending opposition to the character’s portrayal may destroy the actress’ chance of being cast in future shows.
Her beautiful singing voice will send chills down your spine.
JAMES JORDAN
James Jordan, as Sheldon Forrester, plays the easy-going black actor who is agreeable and laid-back until he shocks the company into silence with his wrenching description of a lynching he witnessed as a young child.
MICHAEL GINGERELLA
Michael Gingerella captured the frustrated and flawed characterization of Al Manners, the white director who fancies himself as a liberal, but whose ego creates communication barriers. He finally unleashes his frustration on the cast when he confesses that the investors themselves, and not his stubbornness, block the change the black actors seek.
Each in the company conveys their own measure of grief when Manners cries out, “The American public isn’t ready for it yet!”
ROLE CALL
Others in the strong cast include Andy Gaitens as the Irish stage hand Henry, Derell Jones as the young black actor John Nevins and Amber Gale as the sharp and sassy Millie Davis.
BEFORE P.C.
Taylor Morrow, as Judith Spears, captures the confusion and naivety of a young sheltered white woman caught up in an emotionally charged arena long before the phrase “political correctness” had even been coined.
Others in the strong supporting cast include Aaron Glenn as Eddie Fenton and Anthony Scamihorn as Bill O’Wray.
DRESSING THE PART
Melissa Hall pulled together costumes that were elegantly tailored for the period and lent a sophisticated air to the black actors, which were visually in sharp contrast to the subservient roles into which they were repeatedly being typecast.
TWICE AS NICE
Anthony Karpinski pulled double duty as the scenic designer and properties master.
FOR TICKETS
For tickets or more information, call (313) 577-2972, or go to www.wsustudio.com.
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