Racism is not overt like it was several decades ago, but it still exists silently in the hearts of individuals, and Peppermint Creek Theatre is taking the issue head on.
The local nonprofit theater troop is putting on "Spinning Into Butter," in an attempt to create discussion and open people's eyes.
"It's more about how when we perceive differences, it can create barriers that don't need to be there and how that can hinder us from being a peaceful society," said Chad Badgero, the group's founder and director.
"Spinning Into Butter" is set at an East Coast liberal arts college. One of the students receives a racist note, and the entire school is thrown into turmoil when people are forced to question their actual perceptions of race. Every student is shown to be affected by the issue.
Blair Wojcik, a theater and communication freshman, who plays Dean of Students Sarah Daniels, said she likes the play because it brings people to talk about sensitive issues.
"The best types of plays are the ones that cause people to think and affects how they feel about certain issues," Wojcik said. "Maybe not change the way they feel, but at least make them think about why they feel that way."
Even though "Spinning Into Butter" is meant to spark conversation, it is not a preachy play, said Jordan Wills, who plays Greg Sullivan, an upper-class white student whose perceptions of race change throughout the play.
But Wills, a film studies junior, said the play made him realize that talking about issues will never create a solution.
"Stop over-analyzing and just act," he said. "We can wrap our heads around the problems of racism as much as we want, but until a solution is attempted then nothing is taken care of at all."
If you're wondering why you've never heard of "Spinning Into Butter," it's because Badgero tries to pick plays that have not been shown in the area.
Directing unknown or lesser-known shows allows for more creativity because the audience members and actors will not have preconceived ideas about how the play should be presented, he said.
"It's exciting for me to give people a new experience," Badgero said.
Originally, Badgero wanted to present a well-rounded theater experience by directing one drama, one comedy and one musical each season. But he soon discovered the shows he was drawn to did not fit the plan.
Badgero said he decided to direct shows he thought would be enjoyable and make a difference and not just automatically attract audiences based on familiarity.
One of the strongest aspects of "Spinning Into Butter," Badgero said, is that it is easy to identify with the characters. The thoughts and feelings Sullivan, Daniels and other characters display are ones that audience members will recognize, he said.
"I'm hoping for the audience that it will present these scenarios and they'll realize, 'yeah I do that' or 'I think like that too,'" he said. "Hopefully, people will see how it affects the characters and prevent that from happening in their lives."
