Matrix Presents Provocative WELL-INTENTIONED WHITE PEOPLE As Season Opener

Matrix Theatre Company presents the Michigan premiere of Well-Intentioned White People by Rachel Lynett November 9 through December 2, 2018. Performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM at Matrix Theatre Company, located at 2730 Bagley Avenue in the heart of Mexicantown. Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students, seniors, veterans, and active military personnel, and may be purchased in advance or, if available, at the door. Group rates are also available. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.matrixtheatre.org or call (313) 967-0599.

After an attack provoked by her race, an African American university professor wants to forget about it and move on with her life. When her (white) roommate and the dean of the school push her to "make an example of it," she finds herself suddenly roped into planning a diversity day, trying to convince her roommate not to plan a sit-in, and attempting to maintain her sanity as the racial threats begin to escalate. Well-Intentioned White People explores how some people deal with discrimination not necessarily directed at them and how their "good intentions" can sometimes be just as problematic.

"For 28 years Matrix has presented community-based theatre that matters, and the 2018-2019 Mainstage Season opener is no exception," said Artistic Director Megan Buckley-Ball. "With Casaundra Freeman at the helm to bring Rachel Lynett's powerful story to life, I know that this show is going to have a serious, positive impact on our audiences. Lynett's story is a wonderful example of how we can truly use theatre as a tool of transformation, so it's a perfect match for Matrix Theatre's mission. On top of that, Casaundra brings so much to the table in support of the script and messaging. Attend this show with an open mind, and I think you'll be completely blown away."

The cast includes Jan Cartwright (Novi), Mandy Logsdon (Clinton Township), Julia Lynn Marsh (Oak Park), Isabella Weiss (Marietta, GA), and Jessica Wilson (Warren). The production team includes Casaundra Freeman as director and sound designer, Sarah Drum as resident stage manager, Gabriella Csapo as the scenic and properties designer, and Amy Schneider as the lighting designer.The final dress rehearsal on Thursday, November 8 is a "Pay What You Can" performance. To help eliminate the barrier between audiences and live theatre, patrons can choose to pay whatever amount they choose to see the preview performance of Well-intentioned White People. For further information, go to www.matrixtheatre.org or call the box office at 313-967-0599. Doors open at 7:30PM for the 8PM performance.

About Matrix Theatre Company -
In its 28th season as a non-profit, community-based theatre, the award-winning Matrix Theatre Company is located in southwest Detroit and uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community, and foster social justice. Go to matrixtheatre.org for further information. Matrix Theatre Company's Mainstage Season is funded in part by Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The Kresge Foundation, and The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Foundation.

Photo Credits: Megan Buckley-Ball

Matrix Theatre Well Intentioned White People 1: From left to right, Mandy Logsdon as Viv, Jan Cartwright as Dean West, Jessica Wilson as Cass, Julia Lynn Marsh as Parker, and Isabella Weiss as Mara in the Michigan premiere of Well-Intentioned White People by Rachel Lynett at Matrix Theatre Company.

Matrix Theatre Well Intentioned White People 2: Jessica Wilson as Cass in the Michigan premiere of Well-Intentioned White People by Rachel Lynett at Matrix Theatre Company.

Matrix Theatre Well Intentioned White People 3: Jessica Wilson as Cass and Mandy Logsdon as Viv in the Michigan premiere of Well-Intentioned White People by Rachel Lynett at Matrix Theatre Company.