‘White’ raises fascinating issues
By Ashley Shah
Scripps Ranch Theatre’s upcoming production of “White” is a modern, comedic drama that is fast-paced and features thought provoking dialogue.
The main character, Gus, played by Joey Landwehr, is a white artist struggling to gain recognition in the art world.
“Gus has a friend, Jane, who has become a curator for the well-known Parnell Museum. The museum, in the past, typically displayed pieces from white artists, but Jane wants to shake it up. She wants to have a woke exhibition featuring work from people of color,” director Yolanda Franklin said.
Jane is played by Noelle Caliguri.
“Gus thinks that he has a way in to the museum because Jane is choosing the artists. However, she’s trying to create diversity amongst the artists, and she tells him ‘no,’” Franklin said.
Gus tries to find a way to work around this issue.
“Gus’ boyfriend, Tanner, acted alongside Vanessa, a black actress. They had taken a class together. Gus really liked Vanessa’s acting. Gus hires Vanessa to present his artwork as her own artwork at the museum,” Franklin said.
Vanessa is portrayed by Mysia Anderson. Anderson also plays other characters in this production.
“We watch Vanessa’s journey because she does not accept Gus’ proposition right away. She comes back with her reason why,” Franklin said.
The story begins there, but delves into deeper conversations of issues of race, identity and cultural appropriation.
“We start to explore the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters and the broader implications for society,” Franklin said. “This is a continuation of another conversation. It’s about race, white privilege, and a black female occupying primarily white spaces.”
The production will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Feb. 14 to the last show on March 9. There will be an industry night on March 3. Tickets for this production can be purchased at scrippsranchtheatre.org/tickets.