1998 Shows

MiLK

June 2, 1998

MiLK traces the story of three adolescent girls living in the shadow of a Chicago housing project. We follow “Baby” and her spirit force “Womaclown” as they tackle the difficult issues of coming of age in such a difficult environment. The playwright skillful utilizes rhythmic dialogue to elevate the character’s street language into poetry, thus bringing out the mystical elements hidden in the everyday world.

Written by Nambi E. Kelley

Directed by Mignon McPherson Nance

The Inside

November 22, 1998

The Inside presents us with a piercing take on race, academia, art, and sexuality, all viewed through the prism of this highly original character. By turns amusingly ironic and heartbreakingly vulnerable, Emma serves up her interior life with astonishing honesty. “It was your typical, painfully liberal, pre-professional anti-establishment artistic event”. So recalls Emma, a Black college student who comes to crisis at a party given by, and populated with her white peers. Challenging the distinctions separating performance art and traditional narrative, The Inside utilizes a unique format that blends monologue and ensemble work.

Written by Lydia Diamond

Directed by Deidre Searcy