'Revolutionary Theatre' Performance to Explore Racism, Inequality

Students in the UC Merced Global Arts Studies Program will present “Voices of the Revolutionary Theatre Collective” Dec. 8 at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center.

The production will explore the history of embedded racism through excerpts from the plays of Luis Valdez, Marvin X, Ben Caldwell, Ntozake Shange and other prominent authors from the Chicano and Black Arts Movements.

“Each of these movements were prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, and helped to give birth to the Third World Liberation Movement seeking to address the inequalities within our social system on a global and national level,” said graduate student Kim McMillon, the class instructor. “What we are finding is that in today’s racially charged climate, little has changed. The United States is still dealing with issues of racism, sexism, homophobia and gender identity in the 21st century.”

The performance begins at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public. There will be a reception following to offer attendees the opportunity to speak to the actors.

“This production offers the public an opportunity to address their own issues on race,” McMillon said. “Our hope is to start an important dialogue on ways that we can heal.”

For information, contact Kim McMillon at kmcmillon@ucmerced.edu.