Deborah Lee
Staff Writer
The actors made their way to the stage, subtly signifying the start of “Defamation.” The lights dimmed and the debate between a black woman and a white man over stolen property began.
“Defamation,” performed in the Dailey Theatre Tuesday, attracted an audience of law students, traditional undergraduates, law professors and administrators.
The play is centered around the case of the plaintiff, Ms. Wade, and the defendant, Mr. Golden. Ms. Wade was a black woman from the less privileged side of town who allegedly stole the heirloom from Mr. Golden, a white man from the more privileged side of town, after the two had a business meeting.
“It’s an interesting play about legal issues with audience participation, a learning opportunity for all students,” said Dean of the College of Law Gilbert Holmes.
The three-part play included a trial, deliberation, and a discussion.
During the deliberation portion, the audience was asked to act as a jury, deciding the fate of Ms. Wade.
The play received many perspectives on the trial when deliberation occurred.
The majority of the audience empathized with Ms. Wade. The jury ruled in her favor, stating that her argument of her innocence resonated with them more.
“Defamation” is centered on issues such as racism and classism.
“There’s not a tendency to have a conversation about race, class, and gender,” said senior English major Carlos Yanes. “The play was necessary. Everyone has different perspectives and I took it very personally due to my past experiences.”
The play was sponsored by the College of Law and the Office of Diversity and Inclusivity for Black History Month.
“This play was for the purpose of Black History Month, which is something I personally support,” junior business administration major Cynthia Ramirez said.
The reaction of the audience varied across the board.
“I come from a poor, working class family and saw that the environment was describing was very similar,” Yanos said.
Despite the subject matter, the audience still found humor in the play.
“I noticed you laughed at the right parts. If you hated (my character) by the end of the show, then I did my job,” said Kimm Beavers, who played Ms. Allen, as she addressed the audience at the end of the show.
Deborah Lee can be reached at deborah.lee@laverne.edu.
Deborah Lee
