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With World at War, Civil Rights Are on Hold in New Play Of Equal Measure
By Kenneth Jones
29 Jun 2008
Of Equal Measure, Tanya Barfield's new play set during World War I and asking questions about civil rights, begins June 29 toward a July 11 opening at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles.
Michole Briana White is featured as an African-American stenographer in the play, directed by Leigh Silverman. She replaced LisaGay Hamilton, who left in rehearsals due to personal reasons. The world premiere continues through July 27.
The cast also includes Christian Campbell, Dennis Cockrum, Scott Dawson, Michael Hyland, Joseph C. Phillips, Lawrence Pressman, T. Ryder Smith, Christopher Warren and Michael T. Weiss.
According to Center Theatre Group, "Of Equal Measure, set in World War I America, provides an illuminating perspective of the Woodrow Wilson presidency as viewed through the character of Jade Kingston (White), an African American stenographer working in the White House. Jade witnesses first-hand the paradox of Wilson bringing the United States into the 'Great War' in order that 'the world be made safe for democracy,' while trampling civil rights at home by ordering the segregation of black federal employees and imprisoning individuals critical of the war effort. The effects that these actions have on Jade, her job, her family and her country fuel a compelling story that resonates socially and politically today."
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The drama is the final production of the Kirk Douglas Theatre's 2007-2008 season. It was commissioned by Center Theatre Group, which operates the intimate Kirk Douglas.
The creative team includes set designers Richard Hoover and Sybil Wickersheimer, costume designer Rachel Myers, lighting designer Lap Chi Chu, sound designer Adam Phalen, projection designer Jason H. Thompson and composer Kathryn Bostic. The production stage manager is Elizabeth Atkinson.
The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA. For ticket information, call (213) 628-2772 or visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
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