Online reading of Citizen: An American Lyric speaks out against racism

Jill Weinlein - Chief Los Angeles Theatre Critic

In response to current events and in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter, The Fountain Theatre will present a compelling portrait of racism in America live online reading of Stephen Sachs’ critically acclaimed, award-winning stage adaptation of Claudia Rankine’s Citizen: An American Lyric.

The online performance will be directed by Shirley Jo Finney, along with original cast members Bernard K. Addison, Leith Burke, Tony Maggio, Monnae Michaell and Lisa Pescia. They will be joined by Adenrele Ojo, and this webinar will be produced by James Bennett.

You can stream this one-time virtual experience on Sunday, June 7 at 5 p.m. PT on Facebook, Twitter, the Fountain Theatre’s Fountain’s Youtube channel, and Zoom (zoom ID #959 8241 0639).

“The times have called us, once again,” says playwright Sachs, who is also the Fountain’s artistic director. “Citizen: An American Lyric is a powerful, meaningful way for the Fountain to continue adding our voice to the national conversation.”

This stage adaptation of Rankine’s National Book Critics Circle award-winning book of poetry is intensely provocative and an unapologetic rumination on racial aggression. Everyday acts of racism are scrutinized as part of an uncompromising testimony of “living while Black” in America. From the shooting of Trayvon Martin, to the tennis career of Serena Williams to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Citizen premiered at the Fountain Theatre in 2015, was remounted at L.A.’s Kirk Douglas Theatre as part of CTG Block Party in 2017, was chosen by the Music Center to represent Los Angeles theater at the 2018 Our L.A. Voices “Best of L.A.” arts festival, and has been produced at theaters across the country. 

For more information, go to www.fountaintheatre.com.