BWW Interviews: Jade King Carroll Directs TROUBLE IN MIND at Two Rivers Theater

Jade King Carroll is directing the Two River Theater Company production of Trouble in Mind which runs from April 5th through April 27th. She brings a wealth of impressive experience to the show having directed such notable pieces as A Raisin in the Sun, Seven Guitars, Alondra Was Here, and The Piano Lesson. Broadwayworld.com had recently had a chance to interview her.

King Carroll currently resides in New York City. A native of Woodstock, New York, her parents are also artistic individuals. Her father is a jazz musician and composer and her mother is a poet and a bookseller. She is delighted to be working in New Jersey at Two River Theater to direct Trouble in Mind.

Trouble in Mind is written by Alice Childress. The play is set in the year 1957 and occurs onstage at a modern, recently integrated theater company that has gathered for their first day of practice of a Southern drama, Chaos in Belleville. As the company rehearses, the African-American actress in the starring role confronts her white director about his interpretation of the play and everything explodes. This play-within- a-play structure creates a complex, immediate and funny look at the way people talk about race. It is also a hilarious backstage drama about artists at work.

King Carroll said that Trouble in Mind "offers a slice of life." She stated, "It has a shockingly truthful way of dealing with race and opens up important conversations." Even though the play takes place in the early 1950's, King Carroll spoke about its relevance today. "It has a contemporary appeal and an important application to the issue of race relations."

King Carroll also points out that Trouble in Mind is different in how "exposed" it is. She said, "The onstage, working setting makes the theme very public whereas other shows that have dealt with race often take place in more intimate and safe settings."

The play has a unique format. As a play-within-a-play, King Carroll said it is "so close to home" for those who are involved in the production. She is especially excited to share the show's extraordinary cast with Two Rivers Theater audiences. King Carroll commented, "This is a stand-out cast. I can't say enough about them. They are exquisite in this ensemble piece."

When asked about her directing style, King Carroll said, "Each play is a unique journey." She wishes to "serve the play by finding out what it is asking of us." She views the production of a play as a "collaborative art" and she is especially focused on creating a safe space for the actors and designers to allow them to "sculpt their own artistry."

Trouble in Mind is considered a beautiful and moving piece of American Theater. Metropolitan area audiences can purchase tickets for the production by visiting the Two River Theater Company web site at www.tworivertheater.org or by calling (732) 345-1400.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Two River Theater Company