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‘Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies’ coming to PSU

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State’s School of Theatre kicks off its 2019-20 season with a searing satire.

“Hooded or Being Black for Dummies” is the first of two shows produced under the designation Off-Centre Stage, with 7:30 p.m. performances on Sept. 24-28 at Penn State’s Downtown Theatre Center, 146 S. Allen St.

The School of Theatre produces large shows under the Centre Stage umbrella, which are presented at one of the on-campus theaters.

The Off-Centre Stage productions offer an opportunity for theater students to present smaller-scale shows that are compelling, thought-provoking and entertaining.

Tearrance Arvelee Chisholm’s “Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies” is a satirical look at racism and xenophobia. An unique feature of this intense play is the playwright’s use of comedy to tackle issues of race, white privilege and prejudice.

The playwright thoughtfully raises issues of social justice and stereotypes with the characters’ broad humorous conversations.

This irreverent examination of “growing up black” features two unlikely allies, Marquis and Tru, who grow up in completely different worlds.

Marquis is the book-smart prep-school boy, living in an affluent suburb, having been adopted by a white mother.

Tru is the street-smart kid using his wits while living in the inner city.

When the two teens face each other in a holding cell, Tru fears that Marquis has become “too white,” and so pens a manual titled “Being Black For Dummies.”

The “how to” manual sends the two black boys on an intense journey of discovery, which challenges their pre-conceived notions, and breaks barriers along the way.

This quick-paced production is directed by Herb Newsome, who said that the characters are portrayed as brutally honest, downright funny, but also painfully human.

Marketing Director Cheri Sinclair notes that the story and structure of “Hooded, or Being Black For Dummies” is thought-provoking, darkly satirical entertainment.

For more information, call 814-863-0255 or visit www.theatre@psu.edu.

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