While many of the same philosophies that guided Free Southern Theater continue to influence the work of performers involved in ACT 1, there have also been a number of changes. I wanted to know what it was going to be like. In addition to working with ACT 1, Chakula and Kaia also have a number of independent projects they are working on. Since Chakula started his own company in 1985, he has performed around the city and in the public schools. A narrator comes on stage an announces that Joe Brown Jr, a black youth from New Orleans, has committed murder, has killed his best friend in a bar room.
Nobody knows why it happened.
By the time the play is over, we realize that everybody has contributed to this murder. . . This play does more for helping understand black on black violence, or just violence, than any essay or book you'll ever read on the subject. He is currently teaching theater in the public schools through a program called Arts Connection. Kaia has been working on a number of projects and hopes to eventually take them on tour. She has also been working on pieces that bring to life the African American history of New Orleans.