By Donna Bradby
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Theatre Arts Program will present “Baltimore,” a contemporary drama that examines racial tensions on a college campus beginning Oct. 26.
When a racially charged incident divides her first-year students, reluctant resident advisor Shelby finds herself in the middle of a difficult conversation she does not want to have. “Baltimore,” written by playwright and educator Kirsten Greenidge, grapples with the boundaries of race, ethnicity, accountability and when a joke crosses the line and goes too far. The students respond to the incident with fury, disbelief, bewilderment and questions about the college’s commitment to true diversity. As pressure to address the controversy mounts, Shelby must decide if she will enter the fray or watch her community come apart at the seams.
The college-age characters in Greenidge’s play have come of age in the era of Ferguson, Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray and Black Lives Matter, which adds an urgency to their concerns and fears.
Under the direction of N.C. A&T Lecturer Tyler Madden, “Baltimore” is sharp, and searing while confronting the delicate balance of students of color at a predominately white institution of higher learning.
