Radford University tackles diversity with production of “Clybourne Park”

Radford University’s Department of Theatre and Cinema presents the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play “Clybourne Park” by Bruce Norris. The Pridemore Playhouse production starts Oct. 11 and runs through Oct. 18.

Harkening back to Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” the first act is a prequel and the second is a sequel.

“Clybourne Park” depicts two racially diverse eras of a fictional Chicago neighborhood. The first act takes place during 1959 in a house located in an all-white Clybourne Park neighborhood. The homeowners have accepted an offer to sell their home to an African-American family, but the neighbors are concerned about the potential problems of integration.

Act 2 takes place in the same house 50 years later. The cast returns as different characters in the now all-black neighborhood of Clybourne Park. The tables are turned as affluent white-collar workers have begun to gentrify the neighborhood.

“The play addresses race relations in America in the 1950s and today, exploring how far we have - or haven't - come in 50 years,” said Tommy Iafrate, assistant professor of theatre, who is the director.

The cast includes Lauren Faulkner as Bev/Kathy; Paul Krs as Karl/Steve; Sech Gire as Francine/Lena; Bryan Glaize as Jim/Tom; Kevin Schmidt as Russ/Dan; Annalee Hunter as Betsy/Lindsey; Shieh’Ron Freeman as Albert/Kevin; and Forrest Goodwin as Kenneth.

Though the play offers an interesting perspective on race relations, for Faulkner the story includes how far women in have come in society since the ‘50s.

"For me, the hardest part about portraying Bev in 1959 is trying not to give her my 21st century voice and mentality,” she said, “She can't be too sassy or demanding; it's not her place!”

“Bev has definitely posed the greater challenge for me as an actor because I'm simply not used to having to hold back from speaking my mind the way she has to everyday. I feel for her,” Faulkner said.

In the second act of the play, Faulkner portrays Kathy, a present day lawyer who does not hesitate to assert her authority. Faulkner empathizes with this character who is a considered success, but still finds criticism painful.

“Clybourne Park” is a featured event during the RU Office on Diversity and Equity’s Fall 2014 Diversity Awareness and Celebration Week. A panel discussion on "Reflection on Diversity: Race, Disability, and Beyond" will take place immediately following the performance on Oct. 16 performance. Brooke Chang, director of the Office of Diversity and Equity, is the moderator for the discussion.

On Oct. 17, Curtain Up! Clybourne Park is a fundraiser for the Department of Theatre’s guest artists program. This special event includes cocktails, dinner, a behind-the-scenes look at the production by the director, and tickets to the show. This event is $65 per person. Reservations are required. For more information, please email uainvite@radford.edu.

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 16-18, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 12. The Oct. 18 performance includes a sign language interpreter.

Tickets are $10 for the general public; $6 for RU faculty and staff, seniors (55+), and group rate (10+); and RU students are free with their ID. These are available online at http://rutheatretickets.universitytickets.com and the Porterfield Box Office. The Box Office opens from noon to 6 p.m. and one hour before the start of each performance.

Tickets for the Oct. 11 performance of “Clybourne Park” are available for purchase at online or at the Hurlburt Hall Information Desk.

This play contains strong adult language and themes.

The RU Department of Theatre and Cinema is part of the RU College of Visual and Performing Arts. Plays are chosen each season to provide students with a wide array of roles and experience, and to give students the skills needed in the world of professional theatre.