39 pages • 1 hour read
Alice ChildressTrouble in Mind
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1955A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress focuses on Wiletta Mayer, a seasoned Black actress, and her colleagues during the rehearsals of a new Broadway play in 1957, highlighting the prejudices and stereotyping they face in a racially charged environment led by a white director. The ensemble navigates power dynamics, artistic integrity, and personal convictions, ultimately exposing the systemic racism ingrained in the theater industry. This play tackles themes of racism and sexism and contains racially offensive terms.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Alice Childress' Trouble in Mind is lauded for its poignant exploration of race and identity within the theater industry. Critics praise its sharp dialogue and character depth, though some find its pacing uneven. The play's powerful social commentary and relevance resonate strongly, showcasing Childress' incisive wit and dramatic prowess.
Who Should Read Trouble in Mind?
Readers who enjoy Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress typically have an interest in American theater, racial dynamics, and social justice. Fans of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun or August Wilson's Fences will appreciate Childress's powerful exploration of African American experiences in the mid-20th century.