The Niceties

by Eleanor Burgess
January 22-February 7, 2021

A Virtual Presentation

Directed by Jen Uphoff Gray & DiMonte Henning

In The Niceties, Zoe, a Black student at a liberal arts college, is called into her white professor’s office to discuss her paper about slavery’s effect on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into an urgent debate about race, history, and power.

THE ARTISTS

Pictured: Samantha Newcomb (Zoe), Sarah Day (Janine), DiMonte Henning (Director), Jen Uphoff Gray (Director)

Scenic Designer: Lisa Schlenker
Lighting Designer: Greg Hofmann
Costume Designer: Jazmin Aurora Medina
Composer/Sound Designer: Christie Chiles Twillie
Film Editor: Kathy Wittman
Props Master: Pamela Miles
Stage Manager: Sarah Deming-Henes
Assistant Stage Manager: Abbi Hess

THE CONVERSATION

Thanks to our partnership with the UW Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement, a panel of academic and community experts convened virtually for a special discussion about the themes in The Niceties on February 10th. This partnership resulted in over 200 community members attending the play, as well as the follow-up panel discussion. This creative experience allowed for attendees to witness and learn from compelling dialogue that addressed how issues of racial equity plays out between faculty and students on campus.

LEARN MORE

A behind-the-scenes look at the innovative process of creating The Niceties, with actresses Samantha Newcomb and Sarah Day.

'The Niceties' Review: No Time for Pleasantries
by Terry Teachout | The Wall Street Journal

Forward Theater grapples with slavery and blind spots in virtual production of ‘The Niceties’
by Ayomi Wolff | Madison365

Professor-student play 'The Niceties' remembers when we still tried to talk it out
by Lindsay Christians | The Cap Times

Learn about the process behind creating the soundtrack for The Niceties in this interview with Composer & Sound Designer Christie Chiles Twillie: