Theatergoers often expect to be confronted with controversial topics, but rarely do they have the opportunity to voice their own opinions on the subjects being addressed.
Audience members of the Madison Repertory Theatre’s new production, “Spinning Into Butter,” however, are free to talk about the issues of racism that are raised in the play through a series of post-show discussions.
The goal, said Norma Sober, director of community programs at MRT, is not only to entertain the audience, but to educate them as well.
“Obviously, the topic of race is a huge social issue,” Sober said. “We feel a responsibility to the community. The discussions are a step beyond the stage.”
The play centers on the Dean of Students at a small college in Vermont. Controversy sparks when a racist note is found on the door of one of the college’s few African-American students. It then becomes the dean's job to respond. In the process, the dean must confront her own feelings of racism, even if they are not politically correct.
“It’s such a different look at racism because it’s so honest,” Sober said. “It’s not a cliche in any way.”
MRT has asked UW-Madison Dean of Students Alicia Chavez to lead Thursday's discussion.
“I’ll be there to encourage discussion and answer questions,” Chavez said. “It’s an issue I've worked with in the past and an issue I'm working with now.”
Sober said Chavez’s unique experiences and her own leadership role at UW will allow for a pertinent discussion of the topic.
“The conversation will naturally gravitate to her area of expertise,” Sober said.
Chavez said the medium of a play also fosters discussion.
“One of the good things about art is that it allows us to deal with the emotions of particular topics,” she said.
Because many people find the issue of race difficult to talk about, Sober said, the play and discussions following the play will help initiate an honest conversation about race. Chavez said the difficult nature of racism issues should not prevent people from discussing them.
“We all struggle with our own generalized feelings about groups,” she said. “It's a really sensitive topic and there are no clear-cut answers.”
Sober said she hopes people will not allow political correctness to stand in the way of what they really think.
“The language of political correctness allows people to hide behind certain words that are very polite, but which can keep people from thinking about what they truly believe,” said Sober.
The discussions are open to both audience members and the public. Sober said she expects about 100 people to attend each discussion.
Students can receive a 40 percent discount on tickets on Nov. 7, or they can get $6 off any showing if they call Madison Repertory Theatre the day of the show and request a rush ticket.
