Out The Mud
By Kristen Adele Calhoun
Directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene
Juneteenth 1865, a newly freed couple stands at a crossroads: leave the only land they’ve ever known to forge an uncertain future, or remain on the plantation to work for the very family that once claimed ownership over their lives. Inspired by the Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers’ Project, Out the Mud weaves humor and heart into a powerful story about love, legacy, and the pull of freedom.
Developed by The Alcove at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, produced by Caridad Svich.
Cast: Keith Arthur Bolden and Crystal Dickinson. Stage directions by Eunice Woods.
Digital Reading Premiere: October 16-30
About the Playwright:
Kristen Adele Calhoun is an actor, writer, producer and curator. Her award-winning, critically acclaimed play Black Cypress Bayou recently enjoyed a sold-out run at The Geffen Playhouse under the direction of Tiffany Nichole Greene. Other plays include: WILDCAT (Relentless Award), blood work, and Canfield Drive.
Her work has been commissioned by the Lucille Lortel Theatre, the NAACP, St. Louis Black Repertory Company, 651 ARTS, Penumbra Theatre, the Black American West Museum and Firehouse Theatre.
Her film and television writing credits include: HBO’s adaptation of Toni Morrison’s novel SULA helmed by showrunner Shannon M. Houston and Co-Executive Producer Janet Mock. Kristen also served on the writing team for BLKNWS: TERMS & CONDITIONS directed by Kahlil Joseph (with premieres at Sundance Film Festival 2025 and the Berlinale).
A native of Dallas, Texas, she is a graduate of the University of North Texas (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting) and the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University (Master of Fine Arts in Acting). Please find more at www.KristenAdeleCalhoun
About the Director:
Tiffany Nichole Greene is a freelance director, a leader, a creator and an aggressive explorer of the human condition as it relates to relationships and the injustices of this world. Tiffany is a 3-time NYTimes Pick, 2025 Obie Award Recipient, Lincoln Center Directors Lab Alum and Soho Rep Directors Lab Alum. She holds an MFA in Acting from Brown University/Trinity Rep.
About the Cast:
Crystal Dickinson made her Broadway debut in Bruce Norri’s Clybourne Park and her work spans stage and screen. Most notably, she is best known for her role on the Showtime series THE CHI as Detective Touissant.
Keith Arthur Bolden is a multi-talented artist who has been featured in some of the hottest shows on television. He has worked on both coasts but calls Atlanta home. His movie work includes roles in Cobra Kai, Bandit, Mile 22, and Till.
About the Stage Manager:
Caden Cristiano is Assistant Operations Manager at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, and is also a stage manager with a BA in Stage Management from Pace University.
The Lortel Theatre’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Programs supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
The Alcove New Play Development Program is funded, in part, by a grant from the New York City Tourism Foundation.