Beck Center for the Arts Announces RACE Talkbacks

Critics and theater-goers are already talking about David Mamet's controversial new drama, Race which had its regional premiere this past weekend at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. This thought-provoking play continues in the Studio Theater through November 20, 2011. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. There is no performance on Saturday, November 12.

This riveting drama, directed by the award-winning Sarah May, tells the story of three attorneys, two black and one white, who must defend a wealthy, white executive charged with raping a black woman. The talented cast includes Equity actors Justin Emeka and Tom Woodward as Henry Brown and Jack Lawson, the black and white legal team forced to represent the indignant defendant, Charles Strickland portrayed by Brian Pedaci, with Aungelique Scott as the inexperienced legal assistant, Susan.

Known for his choice of incendiary topics, Mamet tackles the tough social issues with his clever writing style, corkscrew plot twists, and unique rapid-fire dialogue - so distinctive it is known as "Mametspeak." Race explores our perceptions of race, sex, power, and betrayal. "Though Mamet's style may not always be politically correct, he forces us to think and question our beliefs and motivations," says Beck's Artistic Director Scott Spence. "That's what live theater does best. It challenges our perceptions and allows us to examine issues from other viewpoints."

To facilitate post-show discussion, the Beck Center will host two talk-back sessions following performances on Friday, October 28 and Sunday, November 6. The audience is invited to join the director, cast members and area experts to discuss the thought-provoking issues raised by Race.

The October 28 session, moderated by Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready, will feature a panel including former Cuyahoga County Commissioner, attorney and actor Peter Lawson Jones, and Cool Cleveland columnist and Executive Director at Neighborhood Solutions, Mansfield Frazier.

Ideastream producer and announcer, Dee Perry of Cleveland's NPR station, WCPN 90.3FM, will moderate the November 6 talk-back with panelist Prester Pickett, M.F.A., Coordinator of CSU's Cultural Center and Assistant to the Director of Black Studies, and former prosecutor-turned-defense attorney Joseph Patituce of Patituce & Associates.

Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors (65 and older) and $17 for students (with valid ID). An additional $3 service fee per ticket is applied at the time of purchase. For tickets, call the Beck Center box office at 216.521.2540, ext. 10, or purchase seats online at www.beckcenter.org. Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland. Free onsite parking is available.

Beck Center's production of Race is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc. and is sponsored by Cox Communications, Ohio Arts Council and Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional Theater Productions, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for special needs students, and gallery exhibits featuring regional artists.

 

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