First Seen in the Press
First Seen's Press contact is Cary Pepper, info@firstseen.org
 | "We're making a play for tomorrow." |
| "We're making a play for tomorrow." |
First Seen's Press contact is Cary Pepper, info@firstseen.org
What happens when a piece of history is explored over a decade later and adapted for the stage? For playwright Toni Press-Coffman, a riveting drama unfolds, exploring race relations, justice and perception. Directed by Katherine Murphy, this First Seen production explores the life of Damian Williams, a black man sent to prison for the beating of white trucker Reginald Denny that took place during the 1992 L.A. riots. Incorporating actual footage of the uprisings that transpired after the Rodney King verdict was announced, and drawing on interviews conducted with Williams, now imprisoned for an unrelated crime, "Trucker Rhapsody" follows not only the character of Williams to tell his story but also those of New York graffiti artist Riot 208 (who renamed himself after Denny's truck); William's mother, who demanded a fair trial for her son; and two of the people who took Denny to the hospital after the beating. From L.A. to New York, from childhood to adulthood, "Trucker Rhapsody" spans distance and time in an attempt to piece together the events that unfolded. The top-notch script is brought to life with a powerhouse of theatrical talent. This is one not to be missed.
-- Anna Mantzaris, special to SF Gate