Typically, theatrical plays are dramatic, exciting and entertaining. One SDSU Community, part of the Center for Intercultural Relations, will host “Defamation,” a production created to make audience members think outside the box.
The play takes place in a courtroom, where an African-American woman is suing a wealthy, Jewish businessman for defamation. Throughout the production, lawyers take turns providing testimonies about segregated neighborhoods, private club memberships, racial and religious discrimination and the hardships and privileges of class.
At the end of the play, the audience will have the opportunity to act as the jury. Once a verdict is reached, a discussion with the cast and playwright will take place to encourage audience members to continue to explore the issue such as race, religion and class.
Bringing people together
“By having these opportunities, the hope is that every member of the SDSU community comes to embrace diversity in all its forms,” said Randy Timm, director of Student Life and Leadership and co-chair of the One SDSU Community committee.
“The play creates the opportunities for people to learn about themselves and their perspectives,” Timmy said. “It also provides the audience the opportunity to dialogue and communicate their own perceptions.”
“Defamation” is a part of The Center for Intercultural Relation’s One SDSU Community’s Live Performance Series.The production is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union Theater.