ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – Gitana Productions’ “Black and Blue,” an original play exploring the complex relationship between the African American community and the police, returns to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park on October 2 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15, or $12 for Missouri History Museum members. Email [email protected], call (314) 721-6556, or visit www.gitana-inc.org.

“Black and Blue” by Lee Patton Chiles is based on a compilation of interviews with police officers and members of the African American community.

“The events in Ferguson and across the country ruptured widespread denial about the state of race relations and equal justice under the law,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions. “This play peels back the presumption of guilt on both sides of the issue so we can begin the healing process.”

Missouri History Museum
Lindell & DeBaliviere in Forest Park
Friday, October 2, 8:00 p.m. followed by Q & A with cast members
Admission $15 or $12 Missouri History Museum Members

The play also will be performed in October at:
Parkway United Church of Christ
2841 N Ballas Road
Sunday, October 4, 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion
Free to the public, first come/first served

St. Louis Community College at Meramec
11333 Big Bend Road
Friday, October 9, 7 p.m., followed by a panel discussion
Free to the public, first come/first served

Critic Quotes
“This first generation stage work is a reminder of the raw, firsthand artistic impressions of the contemporary moment, and of the need to cry out for healing while the wounds are still fresh.”
– Robet Neblett, American Theatre

“A thought provoking, well-acted and strongly worded play that stirs discussion to create a fuller, more varied and nuanced understanding of racial conflict, not only in St. Louis but across America.”
– Tina Farmer, Theater Critic, KDHX

More than just theater. Gitana achieved its mission of creating a safe and vibrant space for multicultural conversation and healing through the arts.”
– Kenya Vaughn, St. Louis American

“Spoken word and rap by actor, singer and songwriter Dyce added a refreshing and unexpected treat.”
– [i am] Uniquely Special blog

The Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council have provided funding to support Gitana Productions events.

Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556.

Media Contact
Rachel Brown
[email protected]
(314) 210-4419