Production History

We are troubled by the water. The many facets of our experience with the primordial element continue to impact our lives. On the surface Trouble the Water is an exploration of a company of souls separated by the coming of a hurricane. But deeper lays the questions of faith, family, and the legacy of our collective trauma. It is not the blame game that drives this story.  VIEW MORE »

Kevin Douglas, Inda Craig-Galvan, and Carla Stillwell have produced a unique brand of comedic work which is celebrated for it’s irreverence, it’s intelligence, and it’s raucous humor.  VIEW MORE »

By Aaron Carter
Directed by Andrea J. Dymond
Oct. 26- Dec. 3, 2006

In an effort to fan the flames of Revolution, two black radicals kidnap the Governor’s daughter and convince the public the crime was committed by white supremacists. When public interest in the kidnapping wanes, a last desperate bid is made to keep the sparks of Revolution alive.  VIEW MORE »

Well-executed…A showcase for the playwright’s considerable virtuosity…
…this is your perfect date play.

Mary Shen Barnidge --Windy City Times

World Premiere 2006
Written by Shepsu Aakhu
Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance

World Premiere 2005
Written by Douglas, Craig-Galvan, and Stillwell
Directed by Kimberley Crutcher

Bold and entertaining. MPAACT's first-ever comedy show doesn't lack for courage, taking on sensitive issues of race, class, and politics in 90 minutes of silly, surreal, or scathing sketches and songs.

Jenn Goddu --Chicago Reader

World Premiere 2005
Written by Nambi E. Kelley
Directed by Ayana Cahr

There's a lot of heart and charm in Nambi E. Kelley's new play about a young black woman's series of fouled-up relationships.

Kerry Reid --Chicago Reader

World Premiere 2005
Written by Carla Stillwell
Directed by Kimberley Crutcher

"The Divine Order of Becoming" is based on a kind of vicious love, full of recriminations and longing, guilt and deeply felt affection. Think "Terms of Endearment" with an African-American perspective…

--Chicago Tribune

World Premiere 2004
Adapted from the Short Stories of Shirley Carney
Written by Shepsu Aakhu and Mignon McPherson Nance
Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance

“Carney's stories crackle with desire. …The show is a worthy successor to E. I. M. Holland's magical autobiographical play from years ago, "From the Mississippi Delta."”

Kerry Reid --Chicago Tribune

MPAACT's metier seems to be moving family dramas that examine the sense of duty, longing, and pride… There's one terrific scene--one of the best I've seen at conveying men's casual escalating rivalries. When Che goes to retrieve Red from the train station, he unknowingly sits next to him, and the exchange between these two strangers speaks volumes about the men who reside beneath their facades  VIEW MORE »

World Premiere 2003
Written by Shepsu Aakhu
Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance

The subject of immigration- is a theme of tremendous richness and variety that very few American playwrights, novelists, or filmmakers deal with in any serious way. Shepsu Aakhu has taken up this challenge in his new work…  VIEW MORE »

World Premiere 2003
Written by Shepsu Aakhu
Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance  VIEW MORE »

World Premiere 2002
Written by Addae Moon
Directed by Terry Cullers

"Whether intended or not, playwright Addae Moon writes as if he is one with the elements...Moon's metaphoric examination of family ties and finding our own music is treated with a delicate yet full-bodied grace. The production leaves one both content and fortified."

Lucia Mauro --ChicagoTheare.com

World Premiere 2002
Written by Carla Stillwell
Directed by Tiffany Trent

Crisp direction ... intriguingly kenetic…well done effort.

Brian Nemtusak --Chicago Reader

World Premiere 2001
Written by Shepsu Aakhu
Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance

"...Kosi Dasa is thoughtful and admirably ambitious, as art should be, and its language often is richly imaginistic."
Jonathan Abarbanel --Windy City Times

World Premiere 2001
Written by Shepsu Aakhu
Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance

"Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance this unique concept is beautifully staged. Moving back and forth in time like reflected memories caught in a summer breeze."

Al Boswell --The Post Tribune