The SA State Theatre, in association with The Playhouse Company, is proud to present Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet’s contentious 2009 play, Race. Produced by special arrangement with Abrams Artists Agency New York, Race runs from 4 – 28 April 2013 at the State Theatre in Pretoria. The play’s riveting plot revolves around two partners in a law firm, one African-American and one white, and their young, African-American law clerk, who are debating whether or not to take the case of a wealthy white man accused of raping an African-American woman. The plot unfolds as the three lawyers and defendant grapple with the evidence of the case and their own feelings about race. The play, like the case, is not open and shut.
The stellar cast includes Hlomla Dandala and Michael Richard in the roles of the legal partners, with Graeme Hopkins playing the character accused of rape. Multi-talented actress-singer-dancer, Nondumiso Tembe will appear in the pivotal role of Susan, the young legal intern. The production’s design is by Sarah Roberts and lighting is by Mannie Manim. Shame, guilt, class, sex, lies and, of course, race, are all provocatively stirred together in this fast-paced show that is guaranteed to leave theatre goers dissecting and discussing it long after the curtain goes down.
As Mamet wrote in an essay about his work, “Race, like sex, is a subject on which it is near impossible to tell the truth.” Audience members will undoubtedly bring their own set of judgments and preconceptions into this work that delves into a most complicated and fraught subject. “Race is an important piece of theatre that will resonate with all South African viewers, regardless of their background,” says Clare Mortimer, director of Race. “We hope that it will create important and honest discussion around the subject of race and challenge people to examine their own attitudes.”
Production Schedule:
Dates: 4 – 28 April
Preview: 4 April @ 20:00
Opening night: 5 April @ 20:00
Performance Times: Wednesdays: 12:00 & 20:00
Thursdays – Saturdays @ 20:00
Sundays @ 15:00
Ticket price: Wednesday & Thursday R80
Friday, Saturday & Sunday R100
