Tania Richard’s Play Brings Personal Story to Stage
Tania Richard’s solo play, Black Girl from a White Suburb, is now on stage at American Blues Theater. The performance begins with Richard engaging in yoga stretches on a rug, creating an intimate atmosphere. This connection to breathing forms the backbone of the play as it ends with the audience joining Richard in collective inhalation and exhalation.
Throughout the play, Richard shares memories ranging from comedic to painful, offering the audience a view of her world. Based in Chicago, Richard’s acting credentials include appearances at venues such as the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Court theaters. An artistic affiliate at American Blues, she also fulfills the role of inclusion and belonging consultant.
Richard’s memoir, titled Black Girl from a White Suburb: Finding My Light, Using My Voice, was published in 2025. It serves as the foundation for the play, directed by J. Nicole Brooks. Her parents, originally from Haiti, moved to Canada for medical school, later settling in Chicago for their residencies. They chose to raise their family in Western Springs, a largely white suburb, after receiving advice from colleagues. This decision led Richard to be the only Black student in her school for much of her education.
Despite facing potential discouragement from microaggressions, Richard found solace in theater. Playing the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland was transformative, she notes, saying, “Being green erased my race.” This early experience fueled her sense of autonomy and belonging as both a writer and performer.
The play provides an important perspective on the subtleties of growing up Black in America, focusing on everyday indignities rather than more overtly recognized violence. Richard recounts experiences with microaggressions even while living in a privileged setting. She also reflects on national events like the Rodney King incident, during which she performed in an all-Black ensemble for the premiere of The Song of Jacob Zulu at Steppenwolf Theatre.
As the play unfolds, the theme of breath recurs. Richard compares Eric Garner and George Floyd’s cries of “I can’t breathe” to her own struggles with medical racism during the pandemic. She shares her battle with long COVID and asthma in 2020 and how she only found relief when treated by a Black doctor.
Tania Richard in “Black Girl from a White Suburb” at American Blues Theater. (Michael Brosilow)
While the call to action in her narrative may benefit from more expansion, Richard’s journey of finding her voice and owning her story resonates with audiences. Black Girl from a White Suburb may not be the most dramatic show, but its ordinariness lends authenticity and sincerity. The set, designed by Shokie Tseumah, adds to the intimate feel of sharing a personal story worth hearing.
Reviewer: Emily McClanathan is a freelance critic.
Review: “Black Girl from a White Suburb” (3 stars)
- When: Through October 4
- Where: American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.
- Running time: 1 hour
- Tickets: $34.50-$64.50 at 773-654-3103 and americanbluestheater.com