The Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre (Krass)’s production, Detroit ’67, by Dominique Morisseau is likely to raise a questions among audience members about the real events that inspired the play–five days of rioting that resulted in 43 dead, 1,189 injured, and more than 2,000 buildings destroyed. The play takes place near the epicenter of the events, which began when the police raided an unlicensed after-hours bar. Winner of the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History, the play depicts Chelle and her brother Lank, who run their own after-hours bar, helped by their two best friends. Shortly before the riots begin, a mysterious woman enters their lives and the siblings clash over much more than the family business. With a backdrop of Motown recordings, Detroit ’67 raises many issues still current today, including police in the African American community.

Audience members who want to delve more deeply into the issues may want to attend one of these performances. The talk-backs will begin immediately after these performances (more speakers may be added):

Saturday, October 29, 8pm — Sandra Adell

Sandra Adell is a literature professor in the Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the editor of Contemporary Plays by African American Women: Ten Complete Plays (University of Illinois Press, December 2015),   and the author of a memoir titled Confessions of a Slot Machine Queen.

Sunday, October 30, 2pm, MATINEE – Gloria Ladson-Billings

Gloria Ladson-Billings is the Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. Ladson-Billings’ work examines successful teachers of African American students and Critical Race Theory applications to education. Author/Editor of 9 books and more than 100 articles and book chapters, Ladson-Billings is the former president of the American Educational Research Association and has recently been elected President-Elect of the National Academy of Education

Friday, November 4, 8pm — Fred McKissack

Fred McKissack’s background in journalism spans three decades, and includes writing and editing for the Progressive magazine and its media project, and Rethinking Schools. He is currently a writing fellow for the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Community Change, and his articles have been featured on ESPN’s The Undefeated, American Prospect, Talk Poverty.com, and Huffington Post.

Saturday, November 5, 8pm – Sabrina Madison

Named one of Madison’s most influential people in greater Madison by In Business Magazine, Sabrina Madison, affectionately known as “Heymiss Progress” is a socialpreneur, motivational speaker and poet.  She’s founder of the Conversation Mixtape, creator of the highly successful Black Women’s Leadership Conference and the equally successful Black Business Expo.

Thursday, November 10, 8pm – Theola Carter

Well-known actress and activist, Theola Carter
Performances: Bartell Theatre 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Friday, October 28, 8pm
Saturday, October 29, 8pm
Sunday, October 30, 2pm, MATINEE
Thursday, November 3, 8pm — half-price tickets
Friday, November 4, 8pm
Saturday, November 5, 8pm
Sunday, November 6, 2pm MATINEE
Wednesday, November 9, 8pm
Thursday, November 10, 8pm — reduced-price tickets
Friday, November 11 8pm
Saturday, November 12, 8pm

Tickets: $20

Buy online at Bartelltheatre.org or call 608-661-9696