Signature Hosts 3 Post-Show Talk-Backs for SWEET TEA

In celebration of the Washington DC premiere of Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South, which begins its limited engagement on September 13th, Signature Theatre is hosting 3 post-show discussions on September 21st, 28th, and October 5th. Based on his award-winning and critically acclaimed book, E. Patrick Johnson stars in this exploration into the southern black gay community - a population rarely acknowledged in writings about the South.

Sweet Tea plays in Signature's intimate ARK Theatre from September 13 - October 9, 2011. Single tickets for the three Wednesday performances, which include the post-show discussions (with the writer/star and other special guests) are available at the Signature Box Office at a special discounted price of $35 by using the code word METRO.

Moderating the weekly discussions will be Professor William Leap (Department Chair of Anthropology, American University), Jeffrey McCune (Assistant Professor of American Studies and Women's Studies, University of Maryland), and Metro Weekly editor-in-chief Randy Shulman. The post-show discussion will feature an interview with E. Patrick Johnson and guests, as well as an interactive Q&A with the audience.

Directed by Rajendra Maharaj (365 Days at New York's Public Theatre, and Marat Sade at the Classical Theatre of Harlem), Sweet Tea collects life stories from black gay men of all ages who were born, raised, and continue to live in the southern United States and is inspired by Johnson's personal journey. With this play, Johnson reinforces the spoken-word tradition while challenging stereotypes - and finding humor, humanity and hope within.

For more information, visit http://www.signature-theatre.org/shows/sweet-tea.