Black Masque: Race-themed street theater by Madtown Liberty Players in Madison, WI (25 July 2009)

Piece #3 of 5 performed by Madtown Liberty Players on the Capitol lawn in Madison, Wisconsin on 07/25/09.

This piece springs from personal experience.

One of our own Liberty Players was stopped one day by a Madison police officer while crossing the street. Initially she addressed him with urban speak, however she quickly saw the need to "code switch" as the officer's aggressive body language became evident. As her vernacular changed so did his approach towards her.

This is not limited to crossing the street. Prominent Black scholar Henry Louis Gates was just arrested in his own home. Blacks in America struggle every day with issues of maintaining identity that in some cases can mean the difference between life and death.

Check out the Madison Institute for Healing of Racism: http://www.richarddavis.org/rap/hr-main.html

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• street theater
• political dance
• henry louis gates
• race
• masks
• jolly negro
• angry black man
• angry black woman
• madison
• wisconsin
• madtown liberty players
• farmers market
• state capitol