Colorblind'd (FringeNYC)
About the show
Part of FringeNYC: Can’t get tickets to Hamilton? Come see the second best show in NYC about non-traditional casting! An obscure, low-rent college theatre department becomes a national punch line when its sole African American professor casts a white girl as Rosa Parks. More…
Categories: Comedy, FringeHIGH, Drama, Local. Written by Kirk White. Directed by Keith Winsted.
"There are those who continue to insist we live in a postracial world, and Kirk White’s 'Colorblind’d' pokes fun at this belief as he engages in a deeper conversation about race and art...'Colorblind’d' is a bit sprawling, and important elements of the characters’ relationships to each other seem thinly sketched. But the play is entertaining and funny." Full Review
"Playwright Kirk White tackles a lot of issues and because of this, the characters aren't always fully drawn. It is worth noting that White and director Keith Winsted are both white men; while they have every right to tackle these issues, it is hard not to wonder if this is why 'Colorblind'd' stays mostly at the academic level...The exception is with the character of Dorien: Cotto brings an emotional weight to what would otherwise be an ideas play." Full Review
"From afar, Kirk White's play is most obviously about sensitivities and perils of grappling with race in the performing arts, but White also takes a critical eye to academia, probing the value of formal theater education...With so many elements, the play can sprawl such that it sometimes comes off as unfocused...Without a firmer sense of where we stand, it's hard not to feel adrift in a sea of ideas." Full Review
"An African-American professor casts a white student in the lead role of her new play about Rosa Parks. The lone black theater major is not as good an actor, but complains about being passed over...Casting presents all-too-real issues, and the black student’s unsentimental view is one we don’t hear often, but the show is burdened by hackneyed writing and uneven performances." Full Review
"A glib new drama…While the premise and first few scenes are engaging, the inconsistent ‘Colorblind'd’ quickly flies off the rails, leaving more questions than answers...By the end, writer White and director Keith Winsted seem to abandon their question of nontraditional casting and simply leave us scratching our heads over plot holes. All in all, 'Colorblind'd' is a disappointingly missed opportunity." Full Review
See it if In the tradition of Gillman's "Spinning into Butter" excites you.
Don't see it if You don't like racial tension and a show with no "good" guys.
See it if you want to see a great play full of interesting themes that will make you think. I give it a B+ grade.
Don't see it if you have issues with a play that will challenge how you think about race, art, and doing whatever it takes to make a name for yourself.
See it if you've been tuned in to the question of "colorblind" casting in contemporary theatre.
Don't see it if you're tired of the "ignorant trashy white girl" trope.
See it if you like plays that make you think. Typecasting vs Great Acting. Teaching vs doing. The 4 characters were excellent.
Don't see it if if you don't like well written drama.
See it if you like high school drama...
Don't see it if high school throws you back into PSTD - the anger you may feel towards the main character may be too much...
See it if U want to see a new take on racism and academia and theatre
Don't see it if U dont like preachy, strident shows with too many plotlines
See it if Love great-acting, smaller venue, "out-the-box" plays
Don't see it if Hate smaller theatre, profanity, race issues, & don't come with high expectations (I was hoping to see "Rosa Parks" acted by "the chosen 1"
See it if Many provocative and relevant ideas that too often are left unsaid esp regarding academia, daring and edgy when needed
Don't see it if Many provocative and relevant ideas but too many of them thus preventing a taut dramatic experience, at times acting a little too broad
See it if you're interested in the phenomenon of casting controversies in the social media era
Don't see it if you prefer cogently structured plays with consistent characterization
See it if you want to see some really top notch acting. All four performers were excellent and I could almost believe their ludicrous actions.
Don't see it if you don't want to see what happens when a white guy thinks he can write an edgy play about race in America.
See it if you enjoy riveting theatre that stimulates the brain and leaves you feeling refreshed and rewarded.
Don't see it if you want the same old mundane theatre.
See it if You like the story and powerful performances.
Don't see it if You are closed minded.
See it if You want an intellectual time of theatre.
Don't see it if You aren't ready to "think".
See it if you enjoy brilliantly written, yet controversial theatre.
Don't see it if you are single minded and stubborn.
See it if You want to see a show that has amazing multidimensional characters. Relevant subject matter from multiple viewpoints.
Don't see it if If you don't like shows that make you think.
See it if If you are interested in a perspective on race in American culture that may make you uncomfortable but will also challenge you...see it.
Don't see it if Don't go if can't talk to someone about race who isn't the same race as you.
See it if You like edgy sometimes uncomfortable theater that will leave you discussing the play for hours after.
Don't see it if You like shows with unicorn and rainbow endings.
See it if i think eveyone should at least go see it once if mn nothing more than to form your own meaning of the show
Don't see it if you dont want the real
See it if You're interested in an important conversation that currently affects the theatre community. It was fine, but nothing new or groundbreaking.
Don't see it if You're looking for a fluffy, fun night out. This show will challenge you and make you think and discuss for hours.