Humboldt Park, Chicago – The world‑premiere of Mud Life opened Wednesday at the Collaboraction Theatre’s new performing‑arts space in the Kimball Arts Center (1757 N. Kimball Ave.). The play, written by Chicago duo G. Riley Mills and Willie Round, follows two cousins and aspiring hip‑hop artists from North Lawndale as they navigate a manipulative strip‑club owner and a chance encounter with a Brooklyn record executive.
Story and Setting
Set entirely in a recording studio, the four‑character drama centers on Anthony “Roc” Harris (played by Round) and Devontae “Tae” Shields (DeMorris Burrows). The crafty club owner Malcolm “Littles” Gardner (Simeon Henderson) and record executive Casey Reyes (Carina Lastimosa) add pressure and opportunity, creating a tight, character‑driven narrative.
Creators’ Journey
Round’s personal experience growing up on Chicago’s West Side inspired the story. He recalls being homeless in 2017, sleeping on his mother’s floor after being evicted. “If someone had told me I’d meet Mills and write a play, I would have never believed it,” he said.
Mills, a longtime writer, actor, and producer, first met Round while volunteering on the South Side in 2017. After hearing Round’s music, Mills offered to help produce a video, which led to a partnership in playwriting. “He picked up everything very quickly,” Mills noted, praising Round’s storytelling talent.
Production Background
Although the script was completed in 2018, it is only now receiving a full stage production. A short scene titled “Broke Down Drone” was filmed earlier and earned awards at international film festivals, as well as a showing at a Collaboraction Peacebook Festival.
“Seeing that was an out‑of‑body experience,” Round said of the short film. “Now that my life is taking shape, it feels wonderful.” He described the play as a love letter to Chicago and its under‑privileged neighborhoods.
Community Impact
Both writers hope the production resonates with Black and urban audiences, especially those from North Lawndale. “Every character has flaws because that’s human reality,” Round explained. “When people see themselves in these characters, they’ll understand the authenticity of the story.”
Mills added that the play illustrates the “crabs‑in‑a‑bucket” metaphor—people trying to climb out of difficult circumstances often face resistance from those around them. Yet the cousins persist, striving to turn their musical dreams into reality.
Tickets and Run
Mud Life runs through November 15, with tickets ranging from $15 to $50. Performances are scheduled several times a week; interested patrons can find showtimes and purchase tickets on the Collaboraction website.
Local Arts Context
The debut adds to Chicago’s vibrant theater scene, highlighting homegrown talent and stories rooted in the city’s neighborhoods. As Mills put it, “Chicago is always getting beat up in the media. With this play, we wanted to show who these characters really are—amazing human beings living in a challenging world.”
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
