The energy in “The Ethel Barrymore Theatre” was intense, as curtains went up and the show began.
The four member cast features David Alan Grier (“Streamers”), Kerry Washington (“Last King of Scotland”), James Spader (“Boston Legal”) and Richard Thomas (“The Waltons”.)
David Mamet brought attention to such a controversial subject with “Race.” The setting of “Race” takes place in a law firm consisting of three lawyers, two of which are African American. The firm is presented with a case where a white billionaire is accused of raping a black women, in which he pleads not guilty. There is optimism from Washington who is not only African American but also a women; she feels that the client is guilty, and it shows through her actions throughout the show.
The topic of prejudice often gets camouflaged because of the discomfort that is associated with the word. It’s hard to discuss the issue, because people fear what others will think of them. Progress in the present doesn’t necessarily erase the pain of the past and unfortunately some individuals believe their success will override their ethnic background. Will “race” and “color” continue to the elephant in the room, in regards to social settings?
Playwright David Mamet shines a light on a dark topic in the Broadway stage production Race. The energy in the Ethel Barrymore Theatre was intense when the curtain raised and the show began. The four-member cast featured thespians David Alan Grier (Streamers), Kerry Washington (Last King of Scotland), James Spader (“Boston Legal”) and Richard Thomas (“The Waltons”).
Playwright David Mamet shines a light on a dark topic in the Broadway stage production Race. The energy in the Ethel Barrymore Theatre was intense when the curtain raised and the show began. The four-member cast featured thespians David Alan Grier (Streamers), Kerry Washington (Last King of Scotland), James Spader (“Boston Legal”) and Richard Thomas (“The Waltons”).
The setting is a law office. Comprised of three attorneys, the firm agrees to take on a case that defends a white male billionaire (Thomas) accused of raping a black woman. The attorneys — one of whom is a black woman (Washington) — debate the merits of the case and engage in thoughtful and heated discourse on the pervasive social issue, leading them to conclude that progress in the present doesn’t erase the pain of the past. –christian johnson
