Rasheeda Speaking by Joel Drake Johnson
Presented by Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective.
Upon returning from a few sick days, Jaclyn notices some disturbing changes in the doctor’s office where she works. Meetings are happening without her. The doctor is acting even more awkward than usual. And Ileen, her co-receptionist, is now her boss. She’s not stupid, though. Instead of letting them force her out, she flips the script—with some good, old-fashioned psychological warfare.
Rasheeda Speaking is a darkly funny, satirical depiction of workplace dynamics in “post-racial” America. Or is it a tightrope-walking thriller? (It depends on whom you root for).
The show debuted in Chicago in 2015, then played in New York with a cast that included Tonya Pinkins and Dianne Wiest.
“I chose this play last year as the Black Lives Matter campaign began to pick up steam, particularly around the death of Sandra Bland,” says managing artistic director Steph Hickling- Beckman. Rasheeda Speaking will be the third show in the company’s sixth season.
“It could not have been more relevant then, or now. Given the fact that both the playwright, Joel Drake Johnson, and the director, Scott Keel, are white males, I look forward to our Post-Show Discussions on Friday and Saturday nights. It will be interesting to consider what these particular perspectives have to contribute to the current national discussion on race in America.”
With its provocative central relationship, thinly veiled racism, and crackling interpersonal tension, it’s almost as if Rasheeda Speaking was written exclusively for Different Strokes.
Office power plays. Catty receptionists. Subtle (but not that subtle) racial tension. And the cool condescension that only an out–of–touch boss can dish out. Isn’t work fun?
Rasheeda Speaking features Steph Hickling Beckman, CJ Breland, Kristi DeVille, and Eamon Martin.
Rasheeda Speaking by Joel Drake Johnson, directed by Scott Keel. Performances take place September 1–17, Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Be Be Theatre, 20 Commerce Street in Asheville.
General Admission tickets are $18 in advance, $21 at the door. Early Bird Special: Purchase tickets online by September 4 and pay no fees. Ticket sales: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dspac-presents-rasheeda-speaking-by-joel-drake-johnson-tickets-19744763118
