Review: RAISINS IN A GLASS OF MILK Examines Racial Issues in Theatre

More and more we see controversies arise in the entertainment industry as people of color are overlooked for some roles or pigeonholed in other roles based on their race. Well now a group of Cornish students and alum have assembled at 18th and Union for a remounting of their show illuminating those issues from the perspectives of those affected in their thought provoking "Raisins in a Glass of Milk".

Conceived by Maya Burton and written by Lexi Chipman, the show gathers six young people of different ethnicities to give voice to those stories as well as some possible solutions. Presented in a series of monologues and vignettes Sherif Amin, Maya Burton, Lexi Chipman, Mykail Cooley, Rafael Molina, and Amber Tanaka present these tales of racial inequality. Ranging from stories of getting parts solely for their perceived ethnicity as well as not getting parts for that same perception to stories of why these young performers got into the arts and the other artists who've inspired them along the way, these performers give light to the racial biases inherit even in the arts world which strives to be so inclusive and diverse.

The performers are wonderfully expressive and passionate with their pieces and for the most part drive right to the heart of the issues. There are a few moments where the stories get a little repetitive and feel like a rant without a solution but they do manage to bring it all back around to a fantastic expression of working through love and hope for the future as they change things from within. And the whole thing flows nicely under the direction of Molina.

There's really not much more I can say about the piece without telling every moment involved as it's only about an hour long. But I can say that it's an illuminating look outside of my own world into that of a disenfranchised group and the struggles they face. It's a piece that's quite provocative and of interest to anyone who wants the arts community to survive and thrive for all. And so, with my three letter rating system I give "Raisins in a Glass of Milk" a thoughtful YAY-. I really liked what they had to say and gained some new perspective but they need to tighten it up a bit.

"Raisins in a Glass of Milk" performs at 18th and Union through February 26th. For tickets or information visit them online at www.18thandunion.org.