In April of 1982 the New Federal Theater premiered The World of Ben Caldwell: A Dramatized Examination of the Absurdity of the American Dream and Subsequent Reality, which illustrated the vast differences between white and black expectations for life in America.
From the New York Times:
Garrett Morris, who was one of the regulars on NBC-TV’s ”Saturday Night Live,” will star in ”The World of Ben Caldwell,” five short plays with introductory monologues by Mr. Caldwell. The work is being produced by Woodie King Jr. and Steve Tennen and will open today at the New Federal Theater at the Henry Street Settlement, 466 Grand Street.
Mr. Morris, one of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players on ”Saturday Night Live” for five years, appeared on Broadway in 1972 in ”Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death.”
The ”Caldwell” cast includes Steve Coats, Morgan Freeman, Reginald Vel Johnson, Terria Joseph, Dianne Kirksey, Kirk Kirksey and B. Jerome Smith. The plays will run through April 18. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 P.M. and Sundays at 3.
| Credit | Artist | Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Playwright | Ben Caldwell |  |
| Director | Richard Gant |  |
| Choreographer | Warren Knowlton |  |
| Stage Manager | Debbie Weiner |  |
| Set Designer | Llewellyn Harrison |  |
| Lighting Designer | Lynne Reed |  |
| Costume Designer | Myrna Colley-Lee |  |
| Sound Designer | Reggie Life |  |
| Props | Ira Jeffries |  |
| Actor | Garrett Morris |  |
| Actor | Morgan Freeman |  |
| Actor | Dianne Kirksey |  |
| Actor | Terria Joseph |  |
| Actor | Steven Coats |  |
All 1981-82 Season productions: