The Talented Tenth at Los Angeles Theatre Center

Richard Wesley’s play The Talented Tenth portrays graduates of Howard University who have succeeded (the big house, the new cars, the lavish vacations, the families). Bernard in particular feels conflicted about betraying his original principles. Bernard is a hard-driving executive at a small chain of Black radio stations. His programming decisions have boosted the stations’ ratings and significantly increased its commercial value. Now, the owner of the chain, Griggs, is considering selling the chain to an international white corporation, which would ravage Bernard’s plans for the company. Bernard’s life outside of work is becoming problematic, too. He has a beautiful, capable wife of many gifts who has borne him four children. He also has a smart, hot, younger mistress who is making increasing demands on him. Bernard has had plans for these Black radio stations that would serve and uplift his community. What will happen to them now? What will do Bernard do about the two beautiful women in his life?

Directed by Ben Guillory.