A Journey of Self-Discovery

“Black Girl from a White Suburb,” Tania Richard’s latest solo play, premiered at American Blues Theater. It opens and closes with the act of breathing, establishing a personal connection. Richard begins by performing yoga stretches on a rug, creating an intimate atmosphere. At the show’s conclusion, she leads the audience in a collective breathing exercise. The play allows viewers to experience Richard’s life journey filled with humor and challenges. This closing gesture provides a moment of contemplation and release.

Tania Richard: A Talented Actress

Richard, an accomplished actress based in Chicago, has performed at various renowned theaters including the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Court. She is an artistic affiliate at American Blues Theater and serves as the inclusion and belonging consultant. In 2025, Richard published her memoir, “Black Girl from a White Suburb: Finding My Light, Using My Voice.” American Blues Theater later commissioned her to adapt the memoir into a stage play under the direction of J. Nicole Brooks.

Cultural and Personal Background

Richard’s parents immigrated from Haiti to Canada for medical school, eventually settling in Chicago for their residencies. Upon seeking advice on family-friendly neighborhoods, they moved to Western Springs, a largely white suburb. This setting shaped Richard’s experience as the sole Black child in her school for most of her education. Her high school years added the presence of another Black student, who, as she humorously notes, only dated white girls.

Discovering Autonomy through Art

Similar to many artists, Richard found expression and independence in writing and performing. Her journey was not straightforward. Despite confronting microaggressions from her drama club teacher, an opportunity to portray the caterpillar in “Alice in Wonderland” became transformative. “Being green erased my race,” she remarks.

The Complexity of Racism in Everyday Life

While many dramas about anti-Black racism highlight unequivocal injustices like lynching or police brutality, Richard’s narrative explores subtler yet impactful racial challenges. She illustrates how privilege, such as living in a well-off suburb with professional parents, doesn’t shield against daily indignities and underlying threats. Richard reflects on national events, including the Rodney King incident, and her poignant experience performing in Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of “The Song of Jacob Zulu” during the related protest evening.

The Recurring Theme of Breath

Breath reappears as a pivotal theme. Richard links the desperate words of Eric Garner and George Floyd, “I can’t breathe,” to her own encounters with medical racism. During her struggles with long COVID and chronic asthma in 2020, relief came only after consulting a Black doctor. This scenario underscores the discriminatory aspects of healthcare.

Inviting Reflection

Although Richard’s call to action could have been expanded, her pursuit of self-expression and story ownership motivates and provokes thought. “Black Girl from a White Suburb” isn’t the most dramatic memoir-style show but conveys authenticity in its ordinariness. Richard invites audiences into a thoughtfully designed space to share her story, truly worth hearing.

Tania Richard in “Black Girl from a White Suburb” at American Blues Theater. (Michael Brosilow)

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