"Race"

July 19, 2011 — "Race" by David Mamet was staged by the Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield, New Hampshire. This complicated play, about a law firm preparing to defend a wealthy white man charged with the rape of a black woman is well-acted and convincing for the most part. Race and sexism boil to the surface as the defendant, the two lawyers (one white, one black) and a black female legal assistant can't manage to completely put their prejudices aside.

In typical Mamet style, the language is blistering. This is definitely for adult audiences. Scott McGowan as the defendant is a bit stiff at the beginning, reciting his lines with little feeling or emotion. Robert H. Fowler is compelling as the black lawyer. He turned in a stellar performance as Coalhouse Walker in last year's production of "Ragtime." Chad Jennings is very good as the white lawyer. Shinnerrie Jackson is terrific as the defiant legal assistant forced to defend her employment in the firm.