"Rasheeda Speaking" at the Rivendell Theatre and Reception

Join us as UCWBG takes an outing to the Rivendell Theatre Ensemble to see "Rasheeda Speaking." The Theater in Chicago website provides a good description of this funny and thought-provoking play:

"What was once a relaxed and cordial workplace turns into a tension-filled hotbed of mistrust and deceit when a white physician sets out to get rid of his black receptionist by recruiting her white female co-worker as a spy. Steppenwolf ensemble member Ora Jones stars with Rivendell's own artistic director Tara Mallen in local playwright Joel Drake Johnson's dark comedy, which explores the current state of "post racial" relations in the workplace. Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Chicago's only professional theater company focusing on female-centered works, stages this world premiere. "

A private reception will follow the performance of the play with Tara Mallen, the Artistic Director of the Theater and cast member, and the ensemble actors from the play. An intellectual discussion of the core issues/themes of the play will be a part of the reception. Light appetizers and wine will be provided.  

Enjoy the reflections of Eric Slater, Rivendell's actor in the play, on the main themes of "Rasheeda Speaking" on the Theatre's blog.

Program

4:00 - 5:30 pm   Performance
5:30 - 6:30 pm   Reception

Register

Please register by February 1 to guarantee a ticket.

Comments from Critics and Audiences

Here's just a sample of what they are saying:

Critics:
"Hysterical and disturbing...fantastic ensemble...gasp-worthy...pots get stirred...a powerful promotion for a zero tolerance policy in the workplace."
- Katy Walsh, Chicago Theater Beat
"...a fine cast...insightful...an intolerable level of tension that...would be comic if it were not so warped and damaging."
- Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
"Intriguing...well-directed...heartfelt and honest."
- Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
"Give playwright Joel Drake Johnson 90 minutes of your time and four top rate actors at the top of their game. You'll get a more searing and nuanced
of racism in 2014 USA than mountains of academic tomes or pundits can deliver."
- Amy Munice, Splash Magazine

Audiences:
"...a crazy delicious night of theatre."
"Tension-filled...absolutely stunning."
"It will keep you thinking for days!"
"...compelling and well-written...great acting."
"Powerful and gut-wrenching...Chicago theatre at its best."
"...what relevant theatre looks like."

About Rivendell Theatre Ensemble

Since its inception in 1995, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has provided Chicago audiences with artistically challenging, thought-provoking plays that explore the female experience. Driven by the belief that the female experience is dynamic and ever-changing, Rivendell continues to revisit, revise, and reinvigorate its mission to serve women artists and audiences in new and challenging ways.

The Rivendell Theater is located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago at 5779 N Ridge Ave. Free parking is available at Senn High School, located nearby.