FST Launches Online Discussion About David Mamet's 'Race'

FST LAUNCHES ONLINE DISCUSSION ABOUT "RACE" BY David Mamet

Florida Studio Theatre launched a special online discussion about the new play Race and the issues that arise in David Mamet's most recent work, now playing on the Keating stage. This online forum is in conjunction with the panel discussion that was held last Friday, February 4 with community leaders about race in our society. The online discussion can be found at http://RACEatFST.wordpress.com.

(David Mamet Is Pictured)

This online forum, moderated by Associate Director Kate Alexander and Literary Manager Amanda Cayo, will serve as a community discussion about the play, its themes, and the subject of race. Ms. Alexander has invited prominent community thinkers and leaders to share their thoughts on the following question:

Can we have an honest discussion of race in our society today?

Ms. Alexander invited seven contributors to begin the discussion:

John Biguenet (playwright, Shotgun, which had its world premiere at FST in 2010),
Carlyle Brown (playwright, Pure Confidence, produced during the 2007-2008 Mainstage season at FST),
The Honorable Larry Eger (Public Defender for the 12th Judicial District),
January Holmes (former Arts & Entertainment writer for the Bradenton Herald),
Dr. Ed James (anchor and host of Black Almanac),
Stewart Stearns (former President and CEO of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County),
and Judge Charles Williams (Circuit Judge for the Twelfth Judicial Court).

"Florida Studio Theatre's mission is to reach deep into the heart of our community," Alexander said. "We knew that the play Race would post fierce questions about the subject of race in our country and we knew that we wanted to create a forum where people could continue to discuss this important production. Race is a play that has resonance long after the production is seen and a play that asks us to think deeply about it. In addition, we wanted to foster an engagement from all aspects of our community from the justice system to the social organizations. Thus, the online conversation was considered the best venue for such a discussion. In the engagement of these strong and passionate voices, we hope to inspire others to contribute."

Judge 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."

FST invites the Sarasota community to read, discuss, and question the beliefs shared through this discussion. Readers can respond with their opinions through the comments, or even submit long-form posts at:
http://RACEatFST.wordpress.com.

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. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune said the play had "surprising twists and turns," while SCENE Magazine called the production "electric" and "remarkable."

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.

Tickets for Race by David Mamet are available by calling FST's Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or by going online at www.FloridaStudioTheatre.org.  Tickets range from $29 to $32. The online discussion went live, February 7 and will be available to read and comment through the run of Race.

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