Fisk/Vanderbilt Theatre Collaboration

The inaugural Fisk University and Vanderbilt University co-production of SWEAT began in the summer of 2021. Chuck Smith, Goodman Theatre’s resident director and an associate producer of Legacy Productions, came from Chicago to direct the Nashville Shakespeare Festival and the Kennie Playhouse Theatre production of August Wilson’s Jitney. His arrival started a chain of events—his reconnection with Dr. Leah Lowe, the outgoing Chair of Theatre at Vanderbilt University, led to her suggesting to Professor Phillip Franck, the incoming theatre chair, to hire Mr. Smith to direct a play in Vanderbilt’s upcoming theatre season. Professor Franck then reached out to Persephone Felder-Fentress, Assistant to the Provost for Cultural Enhancement, at Fisk, with the idea of a joint production. When Lynn Nottage’s play, SWEAT, was selected, the plans included holding auxiliary campus events and partnerships, to bring greater awareness to this historic project.

SWEAT was the topic of a panel discussion, held in the fall of 2022, hosted by Professors Persephone Felder-Fentress and Phillip Franck, and moderated by Dr. Leah Lowe. Panel participants included Dr. LaTanya Rogers, Fisk University; Dr. Jefferson Cowie,

Vanderbilt University; Dr. Khalid Long, University of Georgia; and Chuck Smith, director of the play. Points discussed were the historical setting and significance of the play and the playwright. The event was co-sponsored by Vanderbilt’s American Studies program, the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy, and the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities.

Early in 2023, SWEAT was cast and rehearsals began. There were many logistical challenges, ranging from transporting students from one university to the other, to navigating the universities’ different cultures and administrative practices. However, the experiences gave hope and determination to apply the lessons learned. The results have been a magical process—a cast composed of Fisk and Vanderbilt students, working cohesively toward a common goal, guided by Mr. Smith, with crew members from both universities. Excitement builds, as work continues in the rehearsal halls.

SWEAT will open April 7-9, 2023, at Fisk’s Little Theatre, as part of the 94th Annual Spring Arts Festival, April 2-9, on the Fisk campus. On April 13-15, SWEAT can be seen at Vanderbilt’s Neely Auditorium.