Race is one of the most challenging topics to discuss with family, friends, colleagues, and our fellow citizens. And yet it is also one of the most important topics to engage with, given our many divides that relate to the history of slavery, Jim Crow, and efforts to advance racial equity and justice. For this reason, the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative has incorporated conversations about race into our programming since its inception back in the fall of 2020, when one of our D Team conversations focused on the local legacies of slavery in Davidson and the north Mecklenburg region.
This engagement continues in a collaboration with Davidson College’s Theatre Department, which is presenting the touring production of Dissonance on Monday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Barber Theatre. Written and performed by Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell, this compelling play explores what happens when a Black woman and a White woman—who have been friends for 20 years—have their first open, honest conversation about race. Dickson Foundation Assistant Professor of Theatre James Webb served as both dramaturg and director of the show, which has been called “an emotional powerhouse of a production” (Anne Valentino, Washington DC Theatre Review).
The performance will be followed by a brief talkback with the playwrights/actresses and the director, moderated by DCI Faculty Director Graham Bullock and DCI Fellow Alyssa Henke ’26. They will also be introducing a Community Conversation that the DCI and Theatre Department are co-hosting a week after the performance on Sept. 8 at 7 pm that will enable Davidson students, staff, faculty, and community members to discuss what makes talking about race possible and productive. We’ll share more info about this conversation next week after the production.
Admission is free to the play for everyone, but reservations are required. Please click here to secure your seats. We warmly encourage you to join us for what will be an engaging and thought-provoking evening.
