Alice Childress Spotlights African American Stereotypes by Barry David Horwitz In Alice Childress’s 1957 play, “Trouble in Mind,” two titanic figures confront each other at a rehearsal of an “anti-lynching” script. The fictional script, titled “Chaos in Belleville,” takes place on a southern plantation during slavery, and it parades offensive racial stereotypes. Playing seasoned…
Anthony Clarvoe Unveils A Chess Mom’s Competitive Urges by Barry David Horwitz Sharp, biting dialogue between a desperate mom and her Chess champion daughter reminds me of corporate skullduggery. Each side attempts to undermine the other, while pretending to serve a higher cause. The age of cutthroat competition has come down to the family…
Stephanie Anne Johnson Recreates 1991 Drive-In Show by Barry David Horwitz Thirty years ago, Stephanie Anne Johnson and Michael Copeland Sydnor created an outdoor docudrama that tells the history of the monumental 16th Street Railroad Station in West Oakland. Today, Oakland Theater Project brings back the stories of the migrants, Union organizers, maids, and…
JC Lee’s A & P Represent A Brave, New World by Barry David Horwitz Meet two young Greek warriors: One named A for Achilles and the other P for Patroclus. Looming behind them we hear Homer’s Iliad, with the Trojan War raging in their future. They speak like we do, and they struggle to…