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Perisphere Theater is proud to announce its next production: "The Niceties" by Eleanor Burgess. This gripping drama delves into the complexities of race, history, and power through the lens of a contentious meeting between Zoe, a Black student, and Janine, her esteemed White professor. Set in the confines of Janine's office at an elite liberal arts college, what begins as a civil discussion about Zoe's paper on slavery's impact on the American Revolution quickly escalates into a fervent debate that challenges both characters and audiences alike.
The play, first produced in Boston in 2018, has garnered widespread acclaim for its incisive exploration of contemporary issues. Burgess expertly navigates the terrain of racial tension and academic discourse, refusing to shy away from the uncomfortable truths that lie at the heart of the matter. As Zoe and Janine clash over differing perspectives, the play forces viewers to confront their own beliefs and assumptions, prompting essential conversations about privilege, systemic inequality, and the construction of historical narratives.
At the center of "The Niceties" are its two formidable characters, whose dynamic exchanges drive the narrative forward. Zoe, portrayed as an overachieving undergraduate uncertain about her future, embodies the frustration and disillusionment of a young Black woman navigating predominantly White spaces. Conversely, Janine, the accomplished Ivy League professor, symbolizes the entrenched structures of power and authority that perpetuate racial inequality.
Throughout the play, Burgess skillfully maneuvers between the personal and the political, weaving together themes of identity, legacy, and the contested nature of truth. As the tension mounts and tempers flare, "The Niceties" challenges audiences to interrogate their own complicity in systems of oppression and to confront the uncomfortable realities of America's past and present.
Critics have lauded Burgess's work for its unflinching honesty and its refusal to offer easy answers. In a world increasingly polarized by issues of race and identity, "The Niceties" serves as a timely reminder of the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue and grappling with uncomfortable truths. As audiences are swept up in Zoe and Janine's impassioned debate, they are compelled to confront their own preconceptions and biases, ultimately leaving the theater with a renewed sense of urgency and purpose.
Perisphere Theater's production of "The Niceties" promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. As audiences bear witness to Zoe and Janine's collision of ideologies, they are invited to reflect on their own roles in shaping the world around them. In an age marked by division and discord, "The Niceties" offers a glimmer of hope – a reminder that, through honest dialogue and genuine empathy, meaningful change is possible. Perisphere’s production of the The Niceties will be performed on Saturday, March 23 at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Purchase tickets at Cultural DMV Event Calendar.
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