By Racism is as much a part of our lives than one would imagine.
Rebecca Gilman’s “Spinning into Butter” directed by Gregory Cohen, is an intelligent drama of controversy, insisting racism is a thing of the past, while the underbelly of society says otherwise.
“Spinning into Butter,” presented by the Long Beach Playhouse, takes place in present day Vermont in the office of Sarah Daniels at Belmont College. The story entails the disclosed conversations of the faculty and students addressing the idea of racism.
Daniels'(Rebecca Cherkoss) misguided desire to help minority students, like Patrick Chibas (Tito Ortiz) and an allegedly racially attacked black student, comes off as personal “white collective guilt. Daniels’ interaction with minority students pulls her into self-awareness of racism.
The setting of the stage is a lavish replica of a colonial college office. The barrier between the audience and the even-leveled stage feels like watching a movie screen. Every scene fades to black, representing a day passed or following experience foregoing the seemingly never-ending attempt to solve the on-campus racist attack.
The storyline is easy to follow but does raise questions about individual characters. The play focuses on Daniels’ journey to enlightenment. However, Chibas seems to be the most racist. He goes without punishment or clarification. He considers himself to be a Nuyorican rather than fall under the social standard of ethnic categories of either Hispanic or Latino, as Daniels tries to explain, isn’t a negative compromise.
Though amusing, a random moment with Daniels’ drunken mother on the phone seems irrelevant as does the apparent relationship with one of the teachers. Daniels’ uneasy relationship with the faculty is just as entertaining, allowing her to come off as honest, though perceived as cynical.
The production is well-played and initiates the curiosity of what will happen next. Unfortunately, the momentum does come to a halt as Daniels’ incoherent monologue about how she sees herself drags too long. The excitement dies down until the end, purposely leaving the audience with questions unanswered.
With an unsuspecting plot twist, the characters go their own way with different perspectives about the event, as should the audience.
The show runs until June 26 at the Long Beach Playhouse located at 5021 E. Anaheim St. Tickets range from $12 to $22.
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