A Fine Line: Exploring Race Relations Through Theatre
-by Andrea Pakiester
Kelly Owens and Lisa Wagner-Carollo
"Sylvia isn't used to this interracial thing … like I am, like this is something I'm supposed to be used to …"
Still Point Theatre Collective's latest performance, A Fine Line, examines race relations through the eyes of mothers. The plot revolves around two American women whose children are romantically involved, and each scene takes place in a different time period: the 1940's, the 1970's, and modern day. The mothers, one African American and one white, are brought together in dialogue as they work to understand each other, coming face-to-face with their own racial stereotypes and assumptions.
A Fine Line ultimately shows us that there is hope for reconciliation, and that racism has changed significantly over the three generations represented in the play. The play, written by Jantae Spencer and Dawn Herrara-Terry, was commissioned by the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ at their conference on combating racism and working toward healing.
Gloria Carey-Branch, Chair of the Social Concerns Committee at the Disciples of Christ, praises the play as "…compelling, relevant theater. A Fine Line reminds us of the love of family, and our challenge to overcome society's affect on that love and on our humanity. A must-see time-travel experience showing the nation's mood regarding race relation and stereotypes."
Both humorous and poignant, A Fine Line offers a thought-provoking way to get your community talking about racism.
If you are interested in bringing this performance to your church or community, click here for more information.