‘Smart People' Play Headed to Arena Stage Explores Racism

Actress Lorene Chesley has been cast to play stereotypical roles and told to “sound more black” or “ghetto.” She spoke with News4’s Molette Green about her role in the upcoming play, “Smart People,” which examines how a doctor, psychologist, neuroscientist and actress deal with racism in their respective fields. It’s set at the time of former President Barack Obama’s election. The play comes to Arena Stage in Southwest D.C. next month.