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BUZZ: THE GINGHAM DOG: Those were the days or were they?

March 13, 2013 Editorial Staff

Photos courtesy of the Brooklyn College Department of Theater

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The Department of Theater at Brooklyn College marks the end of March with a spectacular performance, directed by Jonathon Musser, called The Gingham Dog.

Touching on topics such as interracial love, marriage and values, the playwritten by Lanford Wilson, a well-known playwright awarded with the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1980 and elected to the Theater Hall of Fame in 2001revolves around a liberal white Southern man, named Vincent, and a progressive black woman named Gloria, from Harlem, whose marriage is unfortunately torn apart because of their differences.

Written and set in 1968, the once hopeful young married couple who used to be madly in love faces the question of whether their love can endure during times of division, uncertainty and much violence.

Its a very violent and hateful first act, explained Musser, adding that the couple says terrible things to each otherracial slurs and beyond, though the second act promises to be a much more serene one.

Its a good question to ask: what are we doing today to distance ourselves from the 60s? noted Musser, saying that this country has come a long way since then. It has a lot to do with the civil rights movement, remarked the director, who cited the womens rights movement, as well, in effecting change.

Gloria is a very educated woman who wants to get a Master degree in psychology, Musser noted. She used to be a child psychologist in the public school system and wishes to utilize her intelligence to break the stereotypical view of the stay-at-home woman. Vincent, however, wants her at home, cooking and cleaning.

Our 44th president is African American, added Musser, re-stating that weve come a long way since the 60s, but that we must not stop there and think that its all taken care of.

The life and legacy of Wilson, who died two years ago, will also be celebrated.

Tickets for The Gingham Dog are $10 for general admission; students pay $7. Performances will take place from March 21 through March 24 (Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.) at the New Workshop Theater on the Brooklyn College Campus, located on Campus Road between Hillel Place and Avenue H.

For reservations, call 718-951-4500, or visit http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/theater. The performance is suggested for kids 10 and up.