FST Announces RACE Discussion, 3/24

Because David Mamet's provocative new legal drama has posited many fierce discussions within the Sarasota community, Florida Studio Theatre will host a third and final forum to discuss the play, Race. It will take place on Thursday, March 24 at 4:00pm in the Keating Theatre. It is a free discussion, but reservations are required through FST's box office at (941) 366-9000.

"After our last panel discussion, there was a feeling in the air that the conversation wasn't finished; that still more needed to be said and more voices needed to be heard in this dynamic dialogue," said Associate Director Kate Alexander, who will also moderate this discussion. "This panel discussion will conclude the ongoing conversation that our fierce panelists and community has embraced throughout the run of Race at FST. At this discussion we will focus more on the play itself and how the issues of race and justice are addressed and explored through the story created by David Mamet."

The panel will once again feature The Honorable Larry Eger, Public Defender for the 12th Judicial Court, and The Honorable Judge Charles E. Williams, Circuit Judge for the 12th Judicial Court. Their involvement in the panel discussions and online discussion at RaceAtFST.wordpress.com has been insightful and thoughtprovoking.

Additional panelists will be announced at a later date. Select members of the Race cast will be present to further explore the play's themes. Judge Charles E. Williams said this about his involvement with the project: "As a public servant I feel that this discussion is part of my duties to educate the public as to issues that relate to the judiciary. Race and diversity are two issues that I feel are important issues relevant to our system of justice."

An intelligent new play by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winner David Mamet, Race opened on January 28 as part of FST's Winter Mainstage season and will play through April 2. When a wealthy white man is charged with a crime against a young black woman, a debate ensues over whether or not to defend him. The play, directed by FST Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, is a fast-paced and engaging investigation into how society deals with guilt, class, sex, lies and race that is sure to leave theatregoers discussing it long after the curtain goes down.

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