CW: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Racism, Death, Fatphobia
“Vera. Vera Stark. Mmmm. She was beautiful. And a damn good actress. A lot of folks don’t know that.”
The Golden Age of Hollywood had many faces grace its screens. Meet Vera Stark, an African-American maid who found her way into the movies of 1930s Hollywood through her employer, Gloria Mitchell. Both employer and employee land roles in upcoming hit ‘The Belle of New Orleans’ that seems to be a promising beginning for Vera Stark but what happens to her as the years go on?
Vera’s character was inspired by Thersea Harris, one of the many faces that have faded into the background of history. This witty satire combines screwball comedy and academic scrutiny to pull together a discussion about how Hollywood’s racial politics shaped not just careers, but entire lives.
This production is suitable for ages 16 and over.
Produced by Second Stage Theatre, New York, 2011 (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director).
Originally commissioned and developed by South Coast Repertory and Center Stage.