ABOUT THIS SHOW
Gus is a painter expecting his big break with a prestigious contemporary art museum in 'The New America' exhibition. When he's told by the museum's new curator that "white dudes" aren't a part of New America, he enlists the help of Vanessa, a black actress, and together they create Balkonae Townsend, a bold, young, radical artist to serve as the face of his work. But when things start to spiral out of control, Gus is left to deal with the mess he created and Vanessa must come to terms with her own agency as an artist. Audacious and bitingly funny, WHITE explores white privilege, racial politics and the fine line between appropriation and opportunity.
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CAST & ARTISTS
Director: Ericka Ratcliff
Vanessa/Balkonae: Kierra Bunch
Gus: Niko Kourtis
Jane: Carley Cornelius*
Tanner: Jonathan Allsop
U/S Vanessa/Balkonae/St. Diana: Arielle Leverett
U/S Gus: Andrew Lund
U/S Jane: Brie McClellan
U/S Tanner: Grant Kennedy Lewis
Associate Director: Joey Stone
Costume Designer: Rea Brown
Lighting Designer: Levi Wilkins
Sound Designer: Willow James
Technical Director: Evan Sposato
Dramaturg: Jared Bellot*
Assistant Lighting Designer/Scenic Artist: Emmy Weldon
Master Electrician: Alon Stotter
Lighting Overhire: Louis Lothan
Painting Support: Brianna Consalvo
Production Manager: Jennifer Aparicio
Assistant Stage Manager: Kristina Heiden-Lundberg
*Definition Theatre Ensemble Member
DEFINITION INNOVATOR POP-UP In a mission to strengthen the Woodlawn community through local commerce, the Definition Innovator is an 8-week program where BIPOC entrepreneurs receive education in topics ranging in Commercialization, Distribution, Branding, and more. Experience a pop-up shop in the 1700 Theater Lobby from program participants at the listed performances:
- Sunday March 20, 3 pm
- Friday March 25, 8 pm
- Saturday March 26, 3 & 8 pm
- Friday April 1, 8 pm
- Sunday April 3, 3pm
- Saturday April 9, 3 and 8pm
Spring 2022 Participants
Kelley Moseley — K-FLEYE
Jasmine Traylor — Of the Mother Wellness
Angelique Warner — A Warner Idea
Donnell Spencer — Relax & Be
Angelica Acebedo-Frint — MAGNÍFICO Coffee
Marquan Jones — Un.original
ABOUT Definition Theatre
Definition Theatre's Mission: Definition Theatre is a culturally diverse theater dedicated to telling language-driven, relationship-oriented, socially relevant stories about and created with underrepresented communities in Chicago. We pride ourselves on leading the way as an anti-racist organization rooted in engaging and educating future artists and audiences.
Photo by Joe Mazza / Brave Lux
Content Advisory
Please note this production of WHITE includes flashing lights, and high pithced noises. Additionally the play includes simulated sexual acts. For any questions please reach out to Definition Theatre by emailing contact@definitiontheatre.org.
POST SHOW DISCUSSIONS
There will be a post-show discussion following every Sunday Matinee Performance. Discussions led by varying Definition Ensemble Members.
- March 13, 20 & 27
- April 3 & 10