Hooded or Being Black for Dummies

by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm

FULL LENGTH - Marquis and Tru are both fourteen year old black boys, but they exist in two totally different worlds. Marquis is a book smart prep-schooler living in the affluent suburb of Achievement Heights; while Tru is a street savvy kid from deep within the inner city of Baltimore. Their worlds overlap one day in a holding cell. Tru decides that Marquis has lost his “blackness” and pens a how-to manual...

FULL LENGTH - Marquis and Tru are both fourteen year old black boys, but they exist in two totally different worlds. Marquis is a book smart prep-schooler living in the affluent suburb of Achievement Heights; while Tru is a street savvy kid from deep within the inner city of Baltimore. Their worlds overlap one day in a holding cell. Tru decides that Marquis has lost his “blackness” and pens a how-to manual entitled “Being Black for Dummies”. He assumes the role of professor, but Marquis proves to be a reluctant pupil. They butt heads, debate, wrestle and ultimately prove that Nietzsche and 2pac were basically saying the same thing.

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Hooded or Being Black for Dummies

Recommended by

  • Wolfgang Jones: Hooded or Being Black for Dummies by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm
    “

    An incredible read, an incredible watch, and an incredible experience to perform in. I was fortunate enough to do all three and cannot say enough about the play. Hilarious, rich, harrowing, and necessary. Chisolm triumphs in this spectacular script.

    An incredible read, an incredible watch, and an incredible experience to perform in. I was fortunate enough to do all three and cannot say enough about the play. Hilarious, rich, harrowing, and necessary. Chisolm triumphs in this spectacular script.

    ”
  • Charles II: Hooded or Being Black for Dummies by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm
    “

    Saw this advertised and just gave it a read. SO BRILLIANT. So inventive, so reflective. I can't wait to see this in person. Beautiful work.

    Saw this advertised and just gave it a read. SO BRILLIANT. So inventive, so reflective. I can't wait to see this in person. Beautiful work.

    ”
  • Brian Bond: Hooded or Being Black for Dummies by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm
    “

    This play is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the incredibly humorous comedy to the tragically dark moments of the play, this story is extremely enlightening no matter who you are. The usage of real-life references, harsh truths, and characters that you may happen to know in the real world makes this play an instant recommendation. In the wake of BLM, this is more topical than it ever has been.

    This play is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the incredibly humorous comedy to the tragically dark moments of the play, this story is extremely enlightening no matter who you are. The usage of real-life references, harsh truths, and characters that you may happen to know in the real world makes this play an instant recommendation. In the wake of BLM, this is more topical than it ever has been.

    ”
View all 18 recommendations

Development History

Production History

  • Community Theater, Pyramid Theatre - Des Moines, IA, 2016
  • Community Theater, Theatre Battery - Kent, WA, 2016