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Danville’s Role Players Ensemble will be touching on issues of racism, consumerism and basketball shoes with its newest production, as it brings the critically acclaimed “Honky” to the Village Theatre and Art Gallery.
Set to open Feb. 1, “Honky” begins when a young African-American is shot for a pair of basketball shoes and sales of the shoes proceed to triple among white teens. Fortunately there’s a new pill on the market guaranteed to cure racism and put the whole issue to bed, say the manufacturers.
Exploring when racism, rhetoric and advertising collide, the strongly worded, darkly comedic play follows five people — white and black — who throw political correctness out the window as they navigate these issues and puzzle through race in the U.S.
Audience members are encouraged to stick around after each performance and participate in a lively discussion.
“Honky” features the talents of Miia Ashley (Emilia Hodge), Craig Eychner (Dr. Driscoll, Abe Lincoln, Wilson), Michael Grayson (Kid 2), Justin Hernandez (Peter Trammel), Emily Keyishian (Andie Chastain), Khary Moye (Thomas Hodge), Terrance Smith (Kid 1, Frederick Douglass), Micah Watterson (Davis Tallison), Lisa Danz (properties), Robert “Bo” Golden (set design and construction), Zanahary Vida Leila (Lexi LaCroix, sound), Kathleen Qiu (costumes) and Jessica Riley (production/stage manager).
Written by Greg Kalleres, the local production is directed by Katja Rivera, produced by Peter Petroski and sponsored by Chevron. Eric Fraisher Hayes is serving as the artistic director.
The Role Players Ensemble’s first play of 2019 is scheduled to run Feb. 1-17, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville.
Tickets are available online or in person at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front St. Prices range from $25 to $30.