PRESS RELEASE FROM DIFFERENT STROKES! PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTIVE:
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents Rasheeda Speaking by Joel Drake Johnson
Upon returning from a few sick days, Jaclyn notices some disturbing changes in the doctor’s office where she works. Meetings are happening without her. The doctor is acting even more awkward than usual. And Ileen, her co-receptionist, is now her boss. She’s not stupid, though. Instead of letting them force her out, she flips the script — with some good, old-fashioned psychological warfare.
Rasheeda Speaking is a darkly funny, satirical depiction of workplace dynamics in “postracial” America. Or is it a tightrope-walking thriller? (It depends on who you root for.)
The show debuted in Chicago in 2015, and went on to run in New York with a cast that included Tonya Pinkins and Dianne Wiest.
“I chose this play last year as the Black Lives Matter campaign began to pick up steam, particularly around the death of Sandra Bland,” says managing artistic director Steph Hickling Beckman. Rasheeda Speaking will be the third show in the company’s sixth season. “It could not have been more relevant then, or now. Given the fact that both the playwright, Joel Drake Johnson, and the director, Scott Keel, are white males, I look forward to our Post Show Discussions on Friday and Saturday nights. It will be interesting to consider what these particular perspectives have to contribute to the current national discussion on race in America.” With its provocative central relationship, thinly veiled racism, and crackling interpersonal tension, it’s almost as if Rasheeda Speaking was written exclusively for Different Strokes.
Office power plays. Catty receptionists. Subtle (but not so subtle) racial tension. And the cool condescension that only an out-of-touch boss can dish out. Isn’t work fun?
Rasheeda Speaking features: Steph Hickling Beckman, CJ Breland, Kristi DeVille, and Eamon Martin.
What: Rasheeda Speaking by Joel Drake Johnson, directed by Scott Keel
When: September 1-17, 2016, Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30pm.
Where: The Be Be Theatre, 20 Commerce Street, Asheville NC 28801
Tickets: $18.00 in advance and $21.00 for General Admission at the Door.
Early Bird Special: Purchase Tickets online by 9/4 and pay no fees. Ticket sales: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dspac-presents-rasheeda-speaking-by-joel-drake-johnson-tickets-19744763118
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.