Chapter 22 "Theater" Summary

The Howard Theater is located in a black neighborhood within the city, surrounded by pool halls, saloons and cabarets. The streets come alive at night, when people head out looking for a good time. John is the theater manager's brother. He is seated in the theater just before rehearsal. It is late in the day, and a shaft of orange light hits his face from a window above. John is deep in thought. He senses the dancers on stage and is moved by the music. He considers the dancers individually and wonders about their backgrounds.

The pianist begins to play jazz, and the dancers respond. All of them are improvising and having fun. John thinks about how the director will place these dancers within a stale, choreographed show. The girls on stage continue their free dancing. John watches and...