Troupe today announces Elizabeth Berrington and Tanya Moodie are to star in the UK première of Joel Drake Johnson’s tense workplace drama Rasheeda Speaking. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle the production opens at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 20 April, with previews from 18 April, and runs until 12 May.
In one of Chicago’s wealthiest hospitals, a white doctor tries to remove a black receptionist by enlisting her colleague as a spy. The women’s friendship quickly deteriorates, and a chilling power struggle ensues. With the office becoming a battleground of passive aggression and paranoia, things spin wildly out of control.
Joel Drake Johnson’s incendiary timely new play examines underlying racism in the workplace, white guilt and the manipulation of women by men in power. Rasheeda Speaking is a shocking dark comedy that keeps the audience in its claustrophobic grip until the final moment, proving that nothing in Middle America is ever truly black or white.
Rasheeda Speaking was originally produced by Chicago’s Rivendell Theatre, was nominated for Best Play by the Jefferson Committee, and then opened in New York City at The Signature Theatre as part of The New Group’s 2014-15 season. Under the direction of Tony and Emmy Award Winner, Cynthia Nixon, it featured two-time Oscar Winner, Dianne Wiest and Tony Award Winner, Tonya Pinkins. Rasheeda Speaking was subsequently nominated for Best New Off Broadway Play by the Outer Critics Circle and filmed by WNET New York/East Coast. This production marks the plays UK première.
