When I first saw the title, “Parsing Race”, I smiled. I knew the word, parsing, as 
a grammatical term having to do with diagramming and analyzing sentence construction. I was amused at the notion that it could be applied to such a complex issue as race. I figured I was in for an intriguing journey with maybe a few bumps and even potholes along the way. I have not been disappointed.
From my first meeting with the playwright I learned that the story grew out of a series of talks between diverse racial groups. These became the basis for the many conversations portrayed in the play and for quite a few lively discussions throughout the rehearsal process! In this show the characters, dissect, inform, expound, argue, react, pontificate, separate, regret, forgive, reconcile, fear, love, learn and grow all in response to the subject of race. They come to honor their differences but also to transcend them and to find that place, deep in our collective core, where we are all ultimately connected.
Since we started working on the show, we have come across an astonishing number of articles that show how far we have yet to go in regard to race relations. It’s tempting to become a part of the problem through blame and frustration. “Parsing Race” offers some alternative perspectives. May the conversation continue ……………………………………………
“Parsing race runs May 17 through 26. Get tickets HERE.
By Rochelle Flynn
