Just Before Day

Join us for a staged reading of Just Before Day. Originally written to be a radio play, this story follows Nettie Sampson, the matriarch of a struggling Black family in 1940s Harlem during World War II. Nettie endeavors to hold her family together through the daily travails of poverty and racial discrimination in the face of American hypocrisy, while her eldest son is abroad serving his country in the military.  

Following the reading, Chicago theatre luminaries Ron OJ Parson, Pemon Rami, and Chuck Smith will reflect on the significance of Theodore Ward’s works and how his legacy has impacted them personally and professionally.

August 13, 2025 | Penthouse, The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts (915 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637) | 6:30pm Staged Reading | 7:30pm Conversation

THEODORE WARD’S INFLUENCE ON CHICAGO

Theodore Ward was not just a playwright; he was a foundational figure who inspired and directly mentored emerging Black theatre artists in Chicago. Directors like Pemon Rami and Chuck Smith were directly shaped by his guidance and continued his work through initiatives like the Theodore Ward Prize. Ward’s legacy as a pioneer in African American theatre deeply impacted a generation of writers and directors including Court’s longtime Resident Artist, Ron OJ Parson, who will be opening Court’s 25/26 season with Ward’s most recognizable title, Big White Fog. These directors will discuss how they have, in their own way, carried forward Ward’s commitment to authentic storytelling and the development of Black theatrical voices.

While the direct relationship between Ron OJ Parson and Theodore Ward is less explicit than with Rami and Smith, Parson’s directorial work, particularly his acclaimed production of Ward’s Big White Fog – which he directed for Signature Theatre Company in New York and will direct on Court Theatre’s stage – clearly demonstrates his profound respect for Ward’s artistry and a commitment to bringing his important works to new audiences. Parson is widely known for his extensive work directing plays by August Wilson and other significant Black playwrights. His dedication to showcasing the breadth and depth of Black theatrical literature aligns perfectly with Theodore Ward’s mission. By staging Big White Fog, Parson actively contributes to solidifying Ward’s place in the canon of American theatre.

Pemon Rami, a renowned international film producer and director, considers Theodore Ward a direct mentor. Rami’s connection to Ward began when he was a teenager; Rami met Ward when he was around 16 years old, after being introduced to the new theatre Ward opened at 35th and Michigan in Chicago (likely the South Side Center for the Performing Arts). Ward took him under his wing, and, remarkably, allowed Rami to direct his first play at the young age of 17. This early exposure and direct guidance from Ward profoundly shaped Rami’s decision to pursue a career in theatre and film. The experience of being nurtured by a visionary like Ward, who championed authentic Black narratives, instilled in Rami a similar dedication to giving voice to underrepresented stories and talent.

Chuck Smith, a highly respected Chicago theatre director and artistic associate at the Goodman Theatre, also had a direct relationship with Theodore Ward and was deeply influenced by his work. Smith met Theodore Ward in Chicago and was influenced by him early in his career. This connection led Smith to become involved with significant Black theatre groups like the Experimental Black Actors Guild (X-BAG), Kuumba Theatre, and eta Creative Arts Foundation in the 1960s. These organizations were vital in carrying forward Ward’s vision for Black theatre.

Perhaps the most direct and enduring connection between Chuck Smith and Theodore Ward is Smith’s significant involvement with the Theodore Ward Prize for African American Playwriting at Columbia College Chicago. Smith served as the facilitator of this prestigious playwriting contest for 20 years and edited it’s anthologies, Seven Black Plays and Best Black Plays. This role speaks volumes about Smith’s dedication to preserving Ward’s legacy and fostering new generations of Black playwrights in the spirit of Ward’s pioneering efforts.

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