Baltimore Makes World Premiere at New Repertory Theatre
(Courtesy of New Repertory Theatre)
Performances of Baltimore begin tonight at the Boston University Theatre, Lane-Comley Studio 210.
In an attempt to pad her résumé after being dismissed from her job in the athletics department, Shelby Wilson becomes a resident adviser to a group of freshmen. The job quickly becomes more than she anticipated when a racially charged incident creates friction between students and she is left to navigate the issue with them. Through the lens of eight culturally diverse college students, the play explores the complexities of racism in America.
Elaine Vaan Hogue directs the show, which was written by Kirsten Greenidge. The cast features Jade Davis as Leigh, Kalei Devilly as Carson, Seth Hill as Bryant, Desiré Hinkson as Shelby, Lexi Jenne as Fiona, Alice Kabia as Alyssa, Cliff Odle as Dean Hernandez, Ami Park as Grace Kim, and Linda Perla as Rachel.
"Playwright Kirsten Greenidge’s work has a transformative power and her style captures an essence that is unmatched by few contemporary playwrights," says New Rep artistic director Jim Petosa. "It is a testament to her skills as a playwright that Baltimore continues to evolve as the issues inherent to the work do as well. We welcome all to engage with us in conversation during the run of this production as it probes the complex issues surrounding race and racism in our country today."
The creative team includes James Rotondo (set design), Jenna Damberger (costume design), Bridget Doyle (lighting design), Collin Barnum (sound design), and Lucía Ruppert (stage manager).
Performances will run through February 28.
