About this Event
Please see below for important information about access to campus.
Trouble In Mind, directed by Dara Malina
A challenging play with a sense of humor and tragedy, Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress explores racism, sexism and hierarchy inside of a Broadway rehearsal room in 1957.
Written in response to the lack of quality acting roles for Black women, Alice Childress set out to write a play featuring the story of a middle-aged Black actress, Wiletta Mayer. In Trouble in Mind, we see Wiletta navigating the injustices of the rehearsal process for the so-called “anti-lynching” drama, Chaos in Belleville, directed by Al Manners, a white director.
The play is set against the socio-political climate of the late 1950s referencing major events in the history of Civil Rights such as the Little Rock School Desegregation in 1957 and the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-56.
Famously, this play was set to be the first play written by a Black woman on Broadway. When Alice Childress refused to change the ending of her play to satisfy the white producers, the play did not make it to Broadway that year and did not have its Broadway debut until 2021.
Just like Alice Childress, we see Wiletta risk a professional opportunity and challenge the system when she speaks her mind, and unveils the structure for what it really is…
In working with the company of Barnard students and professional artists, we are utilizing our rehearsal space as a laboratory for discussion and dramaturgical investigation while learning how to navigate this play together. We are asking, what does it mean to work on and present this play today at Barnard/Columbia in 2024?
Content advisory:
Trouble in Mind contains a story of individuals seeking to self-liberate inside of an oppressive system — the white institutional theater model. The play depicts stereotypical archetypes of Black characters and includes racist acts, sexist acts, and racial slurs.
With Barnard and Columbia students; more information at https://theatre.barnard.edu/stage-season
Current Barnard and Columbia students can enter the promo code "Student" at the time of purchase to receive 50% off the ticket price. There is a promo code link on the ticket page above "General Admission". Parties consisting of students and non-students should make two separate orders.
Minor Latham Playhouse is equipped with an Assistive Listening System; headsets are available free of charge at the box office table.
Seating will be by general admission.
Access to Campus
At this time all visitors to campus must be registered on a guest list at least 24 hours in advance; unfortunately this means there are no walk-up tickets for patrons without a current Barnard or Columbia ID card. Visitors must bring a government-issued ID for access. Community Safety staff will have the guest list at a table to the right of the main gate.
Please note that there is no late seating in the orchestra section on the first floor. Late arrivals may be seated in the balcony subject to availability and at the discretion of the house manager.
FAQs
Is there a student discount?
Current Barnard and Columbia students can enter the promo code "Student" at the time of purchase to receive 50% off the ticket price. There is a promo code link on the ticket page above "General Admission". Parties consisting of students and non-students should make two separate orders.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
You may enter campus through the main gate at 117th Street and Broadway, on the west side of the street. The closest train stop is 116th on the 1; M4, M104, and M60 buses also stop near campus. Minor Latham Playhouse is in Milbank Hall, between 119th and 120th Streets on the west side of Broadway. On-street parking is not a reliable option, but there is a paid garage at 645 W 120th Street, a 5-minute walk from the main gate.
How do I find the theatre?
Milbank Hall is the northernmost building on campus; once you have entered through the main gate, turn right to follow the brick walkway past the main lawn, and then proceed through the scaffolded area to a courtyard with trees. The theatre entrance will be up the stairs to your right.
What if I need an entrance without stairs?
Once you have checked in at the main gate, instead of entering campus there you should proceed up Broadway (to the right as you face the gates) to the ADA entrance into Milbank, just past the iron gates at 119th Street. An usher will be posted at that door with a copy of the guest list. Once inside, you may follow the hallway to the right to reach the elevator. The main theatre entrance is on the first floor, all the way to the right as you exit the elevator.
What can/can't I bring to the event?
Food and drink are not permitted inside the theatre.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
For additional information contact Director of Production Mike Banta at [email protected].
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No, we will have a list of registered attendees at the door.
The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?
Yes, but if your name does not appear on the attendees list you'll be asked to register at the box office table.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Minor Latham Playhouse, 118 Milbank Hall, New York, United States
USD 12.00