Modern Day 'Jim Crow': Theater Reinstates Segregated Seating

Firebrand Theory Theater Company opens its second season with Lynch PLAY, an intimate theatrical experience which examines the racial divide, and a production that makes no attempt to be politically correct. In keeping with a past historical truth, Lynch PLAY will operate under a segregated seating policy for audiences. Lynch PLAY opens March 25 at the Gene Frankel Theater, where Firebrand Theory continues its residency.

"Why segregated seating?" says Lynch PLAY director Jaime Robert Carrillo, "Dividing the audience is a manifestation of the unresolved racial divide in today's society. Inside of this racial divide there exists fear, stereotyping, guilt, and anger all wrapped up in silence." Lynch PLAY begins when a historical drama playing in the East Village is interrupted by a minstrel in blackface named Willie D. He decides to impose himself as narrator for the interrupted play, much to the actors' chagrin, and provide his own colorful interpretation of America's racial history. Both Blacks and Whites are held up for laughs and dissection in Willie D's impromptu narrative while the bewildered actors try their professional best to have the show go on, despite the antics of the black clown.

Lynch PLAY is a journey in time spanning from the first recorded court case of mandated life-long servitude (slavery) in the 1600's up to the most powerful person in broadcasting today, Oprah Winfrey. Lynch PLAY incorporates original source material from the writings of Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, who wrote extensively about the race issue. As Lynch PLAY unfolds, it becomes clear that our founding fathers not only laid the ground work for democracy, our proudest achievement, but also that their unheralded writings laid the basis for racial hatred, our nation's silent shame.

It is fitting that this play breaking down racial barriers is being premiered at the Gene Frankel Theatre. Mr. Frankel was an early advocate of many young, talented black actors that are widely recognized today, such as Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Louis Gossett, Jr. to name a few. The cast features: Keith Blaser, Jumaane Ford, Rebecca Lovett, Michael Scott-Price, Brian Weaver, and B. Young. The play is directed by Jaime Robert Carrillo, and includes Saar Harari as choreographer, Mike Brancato as set designer, Danielle Baisden as light designer, Amy Pedigo as costume designer, and Javier Berzal as sound designer. Lynch PLAY is written by Michael Scott-Price.

"Lynch PLAY" opens on Friday, March 25, 2005, at 8 p.m. and the show plays on Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. through April 24. There are no shows on April 8, 9, or 10. A talk-back with the artists is on March 27. The Gene Frankel Theatre is located at 24 Bond Street between Lafayette and Bowery -- accessible from the B, D, F & Q trains at Broadway/Lafayette and the 6 train at Bleeker Street. Tickets are $20, and $15 for students and seniors. For reservations, visit: www.smarttix.com or call the Smarttix box office at 212-868-4444. For group sales, please call 212-696-6566.

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