What: The House of the Negro Insane
Where: 59E59 Theatres
59 E. 59 St.
New York, NY
Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up
When: Through September 6, 2026
The House of the Negro Insane shines a light on a shameful part of America's past that not many people are likely to know about. It tells of a time when facilities allegedly built to house African Americans with mental issues, were also used as dumping grounds for those who were poor and oppressed. These places were not just for adults either. Children were placed there as well.
However, despite the darkness of the subject matter, it is really a show about resilience. Attius, stoically played by Benjamin C. Rowe, is a man resigned to his fate. He just wants to get by as best he can under the circumstances forced upon him. Effie Luttrell, as played by Wadiah Waliah, is a woman who hasn't lost her fire. She won't just accept her fate. When young Madeline arrives, everything changes, and for Effie and gradually for Attius, it becomes all about saving this child.
Sidney Hatcher plays Madeline without an ounce of precociousness or worldliness. Her innocence and naivety serve to underscore the pathos of her story. It may seem that if a child could be placed in this sorrowful situation, then there's no hope. Yet, it is precisely this child's fate that spurs these two adults into action and creates hope.
And that's our view. For more information about The House of the Negro Insane or to purchase tickets, go to www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/the-house-of-the-negro-insane
Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.
Photo credits:
All The House of the Negro Insane production photos by Steven Anderson;
Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or PR firms and are used with permission. Address concerns regarding image usage here.
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