 LSU
THEATRE STUDIO SHOW TO PROMPT POSITIVE RACE DIALOGUE
March 5, 2004
Baton Rouge, LA - What if you could ask any question of an African
American? What would it be?
The questions will amaze you and the answers will give you insight
as LSU Theatre hosts Mark Cryer and his one-man show, 99 Questions
. . . from March 17-21, 2004, in Theatre 150 at the Music &
Dramatic Arts Building.
Armed with a video camera and a simple offer to anyone who chose
to answer, actor/playwright Mark Cryer weaves a funny, poignant
and powerful statement about what we think and know about African
Americans in this one person, multi-media play.
"On any given day we ask or answer over a hundred questions,
but rarely are they about race, the 'great American secret,'"
said Cryer. "While developing this piece, I posed one simple
question to several different people: What is one question you've
always wanted to ask an African American but were too afraid to
ask? Many were hesitant to respond, but most seemed relieved at
this sudden freedom and offered more than one question."
99 Questions, a play whose full title is 99 Questions you've always
wanted to ask an African American but were too afraid for fear they'd
break their foot off in your a**!, is intended to be the beginning
of a conversation four hundred years in the making.
"This piece requires courage on all sides of the race question.
It requires the courage to not only ask a question, but also the
courage to answer question such as who are you, how should I interact
with you and what are your hopes and dreams?" explained Cyer.
Professional actor/playwright Mark M. Cryer is an Assistant Professor
at Hamilton College where he teaches a variety of acting courses
as well as African American Theatre. Cryer has performed Off-Broadway,
in television, film and at many regional theatres. He is currently
a visiting artist in the LSU Department of Theatre teaching Introduction
to African American Theatre, and he will also appear in Swine Palace's
upcoming production of "The Laramie Project."
Performances run at 7:30 p.m. March 17-21 in Theatre 150 at the
Music & Dramatic Arts Building. Tickets for the show are available
at the door up to one hour prior to each performance for a suggested
donation of $6. More information is available at (225) 578-4174.
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