How influential is the issue of race in America? And how might it affect the American criminal justice system? David Mamet’s Race is now playing in the Studio Theater at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. And what a riveting and thought-provoking play it proves to be.
Race is the story of three attorneys, two Black and one White, two male and one female, who must consider a somewhat controversial case. A potential client, a very wealthy White man, has been accused of raping a Black woman in a hotel room. Why did this man choose this particular law firm? And why should the attorneys accept or not accept the case? These are two of the many questions to be answered throughout the course of the play.
Although the law partners choose to not accept the case, they soon must, on account of a technicality on the third lawyer’s part. This leads to a psychological examination about how race may influence one’s perspective on guilt or innocence. It also offers another important, yet controversial, theme: Can Blacks be just as racist against Whites as the other way around?
Race is very well acted, well staged, and well executed, overall, but as a play, the ending is somewhat abrupt. And this is the only fault that I find with Race: It leaves the audience wanting more. But in spite of this, Race is well worth a look, as it does present some important issues and puts some important questions on the table… questions that will keep us thinking long after we have left the theatre.
So, how influential is the issue of race in America? And how might it affect the American criminal justice system? Come see Beck Center’s production of Race and find out. The answers may surprise you.
Race will run through November 20. Up next at the Beck Center for the Arts is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, returning during the holiday season for an encore performance (December 2-31). I saw Joseph at the Beck Center last December, and I can tell you now that this is a spectacular, “can’t miss” show!
The Beck Center for the Arts is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Convenient, free on-site parking is available. For information on showtimes, pricing, and the 2011-2012 Season, please visit the Beck Center’s website at www.beckcenter.org.
– Submitted by Christopher S. Musselman
