Reviewed by Judy Richter
Most Americans like to think of themselves as
nonracist -- at least in public -- but the dirty little secret is that racism
is still woven into the fabric of our society whether intentionally or not.
Playwright David Mamet brings this
issue to the forefront in "Race,"
the 90-minute, one-act drama being staged by San Jose Stage Company. Sexism and ageism also figure into this provocative
2009 work.
The action takes
place in the law office (set and lights by Michael Palumbo) of Jack Lawson (artistic director Randall King), who is white, and Henry Brown (L. Peter
Callender), who is black. A wealthy,
white, married man, Charles Strickland (David Arrow), comes to their office saying he has been falsely
accused of rape and asking them to defend him. His alleged victim is a much
younger black woman, who says the attack took place in a hotel room.
Although the
attorneys aren't necessarily interested in whether or not he's guilty, they
know that taking the case to a jury trial could be tricky because jurors will
probably assume that he's guilty, but they also don't want to appear to be
prejudiced against him. Also figuring into the attorneys' discussions is their
attractive, young, black associate, Susan (ZZ Moor). She has her own opinions about the case and about
the ways black women view white men and vice versa.
Like so many of
Mamet's plays, such as "Oleanna,"
"Speed-the-Plow," the
Pulitzer-winning "Glengarry Glen Ross" and others, there are no clear-cut answers or resolutions.
Ambiguity and anger reign as the two partners and Susan explore the
ramifications of race in their own situation as well as their client's.
Director Tony
Kelly keeps the action flowing
smoothly. The costumes (kudos for Susan's outfits) are by Jean Cardinale. The sound design by John Koss features songs played too loud before the play starts
and between scenes.
All four actors
handle their roles well in this tense, topical drama that gets the company's
30th season off to a strong start.