‘Duchess!’ gives room to discuss increased pressure on women

Opening Statement

By Julian J. Frazin

Julian J. Frazin, a retired Cook County circuit judge, has written several musical theater works, two illustrated children’s books and music lyrics.

Posted April 2, 2021 11:51 AM

Although Vivian J.O. Barnes is still finishing graduate school in playwriting her show “Duchess! Duchess! Duchess!” was produced by Steppenwolf Theatre and is available online until Aug. 31.Directed by Weyni Mengesha, the play stars two wonderful Black actresses in a conversation between a Duchess (Sydney Charles) and a soon-to-be Duchess (Celeste M. Cooper) as they consider the pressure to fit in, toe the line, self-censor and adjust to a life of royalty.As the two women reflect upon the restrictions that are imposed — on …

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