Act I Summary
Trouble in Mind begins at the entrance of a Broadway theater in New York City. Wiletta Mayer, a middle-aged African-American actress, knocks on the door and eventually lets herself in. She reproaches Henry, the elderly doorman, for not allowing her inside to escape the cold, until she notices the stage. Mesmerized by the theater, Wiletta doesn’t realize Henry recognizes her from twenty years ago when he worked as an electrician on a show. After Henry departs, John Nevins, a young African-American actor, enters, trying to mask his nervousness. In their conversation, Wiletta discovers they hail from the same place and that she knows his parents. She offers him advice on how black actors are perceived by white directors and industry leaders, suggesting he falsely claim to have been in the last revival of Porgy and Bess. John remains dubious about her guidance.
Millie, another African-American actress, joins them shortly after. Soon, a young white actress, Judith Sears, and an elderly African-American actor, Sheldon Forrester, also enter the scene. John attempts to approach Judy several times, but the other actors keep him engaged, discussing the current play and their past productions. Judy mentions that this is her first play and she hopes it will enlighten the audience. The other actors don’t openly disagree. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of the play’s director, Manners, his assistant, Eddie, and Henry. After exchanging greetings, Manners presents the scenic design sketches for the production. He praises each cast member, particularly Wiletta, who had previously worked on a movie with him.
Manners proceeds to explain the play and its progressive portrayal of race. The cast has questions about their roles, but Manners insists they read a scene from the middle of act one. Judy stands to read but, nervous, forgets where downstage is, prompting Manners to yell at her. Manners attempts to direct Wiletta to act naturally, but his instructions come across as racist, making Wiletta wary of him. The cast continues the reading, with the black actors questioning words and situations they find objectionable. Manners tries to smooth things over but doesn’t acknowledge their concerns. He then instructs them to read from the beginning of act one.
Henry returns with coffee and doughnuts. Manners becomes irate when Henry doesn’t bring him the right pastry. His frustration and condescension escalate when Eddie informs him that his ex-wife is on the phone. Manners takes the call while Wiletta tries to comfort Eddie. Judy invites the cast to visit her family’s home in Bridgeport. Wiletta and Millie advise her to check with her family first, as they may not be welcome there.
Manners shifts the discussion to the script and asks the cast to explain the plot to him. After they do, he requests Wiletta to sing the song that concludes act one. She knows the song and performs it impressively. Manners then demands to know what she is thinking about while singing. Although she tries to convey that she understands his expectations, he remains unsatisfied with her response.
Manners then has Wiletta participate in a word association game, which makes her uncomfortable. Afterward, he pulls Judy aside to discuss her role. As soon as they leave, the black cast members warn John to keep his distance from Judy. During a conversation about racial issues, they exchange accusatory remarks. Eventually, John, Sheldon, and Millie exit, leaving Wiletta alone on stage.
Henry enters and attempts to console her, still upset about Manners' earlier actions. As Henry talks about Ireland and its struggles, he becomes increasingly agitated. Wiletta shares in his anger and declares that she will...
(This entire section contains 615 words.)
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pursue her acting career regardless of any obstacles she faces.
Act II Summary
Three mornings later, Manners and Eddie are rehearsing with a new addition, a white actor named Bill O’Wray. Bill portrays Renard, the father figure in the play, and delivers a passionate, lengthy monologue. After he finishes, Bill appears uncertain. He shares some suggestions about the play with Manners. Manners, however, starts talking about his personal issues and then asks Bill for a favor. He requests that Bill stop leaving during lunch hour, as it gives the impression he doesn't want to dine with the black members of the cast. Bill explains that he avoids eating with them not out of prejudice, but because he dislikes being stared at.
Wiletta enters and attempts to discuss her concerns about the script with Manners. Manners dismisses her worries and compliments her every time she tries to speak. Finally, Wiletta manages to express her belief that the third act doesn't logically follow the first, but Manners tells her not to think too much about it. When the rest of the cast joins them, Judy appears more sophisticated, and John starts mimicking Manners. They begin rehearsing act three, but Wiletta struggles to concentrate on her lines. The play quickly escalates to a dramatic peak, where John’s character goes out to be lynched, and Wiletta’s character lets him go. Throughout the scene, Manners maintains his role as the dedicated director.
After finishing the scene, Sheldon admits he hasn't read the entire play, only his parts. Manners explains the ending to him and praises all the actors' performances, except for Wiletta. He asks Wiletta if she will let him assist her, but she points out that he doesn't listen to her suggestions, though he considers others' input. Manners insists she needs to immerse herself in the role by connecting with it, but Wiletta can't grasp why Job, John’s character, doesn't escape. John tries to intervene, but he just echoes Manners. Manners refuses to listen to Wiletta, leading to some tension among the cast.
Manners tries to regain control of the cast by asking them to envision a lynching. He is taken aback when Sheldon reveals he has witnessed one and shares his experience. Both Manners and Bill are moved by the story, prompting Manners to call for a lunch break. The cast decides to go to lunch together. Wiletta continues to voice her concerns about the script, but Manners dismisses her once more. Some of the cast members leave, and Wiletta says she will join them shortly.
The flickering lights signal the passage of time, and when they brighten again, the stage is empty. The cast, except for Wiletta, enters. Off to one side, Manners and Eddie reprimand Bill for making what could be interpreted as a racist joke. Wiletta arrives just as Manners is about to start rehearsal. She tells him she needs to talk to him afterward, but Manners remains noncommittal. They proceed to read act three.
Wiletta defies Manners’s instruction to keep John on his knees. She questions Manners about the play, expressing disbelief that her character would send her son to face a lynch mob. Despite attempts from others to silence her, she asks Manners if he would do the same to his son. Manners avoids the question and defends his stance. Wiletta accuses him of prejudice and persists with her question. Finally, Manners responds with an angry outburst, stating that he and his son cannot be compared to her and John’s character.
Manners and Eddie exit abruptly, leaving the cast in turmoil. The cast has mixed reactions, with some accusing and others supporting Wiletta’s stance. Sheldon sides with her but urges her to apologize to keep their jobs. Wiletta stands firm, insisting that the play is dishonest. Judy and Bill resent the black actors' comments about whites. Eventually, Eddie returns to announce that rehearsal is over and that he will contact them about the next day's rehearsal. The cast, except for Wiletta, leaves. Henry notices Wiletta's distress and tries to comfort her. She declares that she will attend rehearsal tomorrow, forcing Manners to fire her in person. At Henry’s encouragement, she recites Psalm 133 on stage.
