Race

By David Mamet

Directed by David M. Jenkins

Extended! May 10 – Jun. 3, 2012

Thu. – Sat. 8pm, Sun. 4pm

Tickets: $24.50

Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Jobsite Theater tackles America's most controversial topic in this provocative new tale of sex, guilt and bold accusations.

"There is intrigue within intrigue, showing how personal prejudice and individual missteps govern the course of things ... adroitly mixes comic darts with tragic arrows." – Bloomberg News

Two lawyers ("ranney" and Paul Potenza) find themselves defending a wealthy white executive (Ned Averill-Snell) charged with raping a black woman. When a new legal assistant (Tia Jemison) gets involved in the case, opinions that boil beneath explode to the surface.

Highslide JS

(L-R) Tia Jemison, Ned Averill-Snell, "ranney" and Paul J. Potenza in Jobsite's Race. (Photo by Brian Smallheer.)

Click to enlarge

When David Mamet turns the spotlight on what we think but can't say, dangerous truths are revealed, and no punches are spared.

"Scapel-edged intelligence." – New York Times

"Provocative and profane." – NY-1

The Chicago Tribune says that Mamet's new play "argues, everything in America — and this play throws sex, rape, the law, employment and relationships into its 90 minutes of stage wrangling — is still about race." Do we living in a "postracist" society? What gets erased or ignored when we claim that we're "past" race, or in fact any issue of difference? Come be a part of the conversation!

WARNING

Race contains adult language and subject matter and is intended for an adult audience.

Special Event

We're excited to host a public forum on Sun., May 13 after the 4pm performance of Race. This panel on race relations in America will include Dr. Abraham Khan (USF Depts. of Communication, Africana Studies), noted author and professor Dr. Roy Kaplan, Alisha Menzies (USF Dept. of Communication) and director David M. Jenkins. This talkback is made possible in part by a grant from the Communication for Social Change reviewer's award, Community Research Alliance.

About the Artists

Race is directed by Jobsite Producing Artistic Director David M. Jenkins, and features the powerhouse ensemble of Ned Averill-Snell (The Lieutenant of Inishmore), Tia Jemison (The Taming of the Shrew and American Stage's Seven Guitars), "ranney" (Topdog/Underdog) and Paul Potenza (The Guys).

Race features designs by Katrina Stevenson (costumes), Brian Smallheer (lights and set) and David Jenkins (sound).

See more about the cast and crew.

"Jobsite Theater does a fine job keeping pace with David Mamet's latest brain-buster ... the dialogue is armed and dangerous." – Tampa Tribune

"a postmodern, stimulating dramatic riff ... Race shows the master on his best behavior again: shocking, obscene, but all in the service of a true vision. If you follow the play attentively, you'll find yourself on one wild, at times thrilling ride." – Creative Loafing

"an enthralling production." – Tampa Bay Times

Race is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, as well as the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.