Adversarial rehearsal methods risked losing key cast and composers.

Evidence

A stand-in for the white audience and white authority in general, Frankel cultivated an adversarial relationship with the cast. He also encouraged Ossie Davis and James Baldwin to attend rehearsals and even hold cast meetings. The strategy had its risks. Just before opening night May 4, Lincoln quit the production and Roach withdrew his music, telling Angelou, without elaboration, that the producers reneged on an agreement. — J. Hoberman, Everything Is Now, 324

Categorization

• QUESTION: What did the producers renege on? The unexplained break between Lincoln/Roach and the production is a loose end worth chasing.