"Rasheeda Speaking" presented by the Circle Theatre

RASHEEDA SPEAKING
play program

On a warm, breezy Saturday afternoon, The Travelling Toe and Dear Friend attended the matinee production of "Rasheeda Speaking".  It was performed at the Circle Theatre in downtown Fort Worth. It runs for 90 minutes without an intermission

The play was written by Joel Drake Johnson. It was first published in 2015 and was recently performed at an off-Broadway theater, Pershing Square Signature Center.

Joel Drake Johnson
playwright

The plot is rather difficult to describe, so the overview below is taken from the Circle Theatre's promotional material.

Rasheeda Speaking, Joel Drake Johnson’s psychological thriller, pits two co-workers against each other, when one receives a promotion to monitor the other. Office politics, fueled by racial contention, creates a battle to control the workplace. This chilling, dark comedy blends the realities of racism, superiority, and friendship to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Regional Premiere Adult language & subject matter

We found the play to be funny sometimes and uncomfortable sometimes.  Still not sure who was out to get who. 

All the local actors in the play were phenomenal.  They really made the play the success it is.

CAST:

Lisa Fairchild                      

                        Ileen Van Meter

M.Denise Lee

                       Jacklyn Spaulding

Ken Orman

                       Dr. David Williams

Barrie Alguire

                       Rose Saunders

After the conclusion of the play, attendees were asked to remain in the theater if they wished, to join in a Community Conversation which is meant to bridge the divide between communities and devise steps to bring about real change.  Denise Lee, who played the part of Jacklyn, was the leader of the discussion.

Once again another excellent play in the local community theater circuit.

Circle Theatre