Mud Life opens at Kimball Arts Center

G. Riley Mills and Willie Round’s new play, Mud Life, opened at Collaboraction’s Kimball Arts Center on Thursday. The production is directed by Anthony Moseley and runs through November 15. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. There is no show on Saturday, October 31. An industry night is scheduled for Monday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the venue located at 1757 N. Kimball.

The play centers on Roc, a hip-hop artist from the west side of Chicago played by Willie Round. Roc is searching for his breakout hit. His cousin, Tae, is his hype man and works side hustles that include selling pirated DVDs. The character of Tae is portrayed by DeMorris Burrows. The duo records in a small studio owned by Littles, a role played by Simeon Henderson.

The plot advances when Casey, a woman from Los Angeles, arrives and promises to get Roc into an industry showcase on the west coast. Casey is played by Carina Lastimosa. This opportunity appears to change Roc’s trajectory. However, exploitative tactics from the music industry surface, threatening Roc’s career and the stability of his personal life, including the circumstances for his younger cousin.

Both characters in the story have survived violence and trauma. Willie Round, who also goes by Prince Roc, grew up in North Lawndale. The play’s title refers to his own youth movement, M.U.D. Life, which stands for Motivating the Urban to be Determined. The dialogue includes references to west-side establishments, past and present, such as the old Hot Wheels roller rink. Flashbacks depict the youth of Roc and Tae, when Littles was a benevolent elder rather than a manipulative boss.

The show features Round’s new single, “Bottom to the Top.” Round and Mills previously collaborated on Collaboraction’s production of Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till. The new space for Collaboraction at the Kimball Arts Center is named the House of Belonging. Tickets cost $52.67. Students, seniors, educators, veterans, artists, and activists pay $27.67. All admissions include a preshow lounge and open mike. The recommended age for the audience is 13 and up.

The play explores the pressures of trying to make it in the music industry alongside more recent realities. It follows Black men struggling to build their own success and care for their families. The story includes elements of humor and focuses on the central relationship between Roc and Tae. The production highlights two men who grew up relying on each other and are now at a crossroads.

The review noted that some elements could be heightened for future productions, particularly around Casey’s character. Despite this, the play is described as a compelling story. It offers a homegrown narrative about trying to make it over the walls of the past. The performance at the first preview was still finding its rhythmic stride. The play is a new addition to the local stage following period pieces like Cadillac Records and Who Do You Love?.