The 2022 Pulitzer Prize Winning Playwright of Fat Ham
Directed by Yolanda Marie Franklin
Dates: February 14 – March 9
Preview performance: Friday, February 14th at 7:30pm
Opening Night: Saturday, February 15th at 7:30pm
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm
Scripps Ranch Theatre continues their Season 45 with the San Diego Premier of WHITE, written by James Ijames, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize Winner playwright of Fat Ham. Directed by Yolanda Marie Franklin, the production runs February 14th – March 9th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. There will be a preview performance on Friday, February 14th with a Press Opening on Saturday, February 15th at 7:30pm. Patrons can purchase Tickets online at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/ or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573. The talented cast includes Mysia Anderson, Joey Landwehr, Noelle Caliguri, and Kevin Phantom.
Synopsis: Gus is a painter who desperately wants to show his art at the prominent and renowned Parnell Museum. Vanessa is an actress with the qualities he needs to make it happen. With the help of his boyfriend Tanner, and his inner diva St Diana of Detroit, Gus and Vanessa weave through a comedic story that explores privilege in the art world. White is filled with twists and surprises, subverting expectations as it illuminates contemporary culture. White performs in one act without intermission (Run time 80 minutes) CONTENT ADVISORY: Contains adult themes, strong language and physical intimacy.
Director Yolanda Franklin shared “I’m excited to invite you to another engaging and thought-provoking experience. White is a dark comedy that uniquely blends sharp humor with deep social commentary, making you laugh while addressing critical issues of race, identity, and cultural appropriation in the art world. You’ll witness the absurdities and ironies that the characters navigate, with clever and witty dialogue that will keep you entertained. The unexpected twists and turns in the plot will surprise you, making you reflect on your own perceptions and biases. The characters in *White* are relatable and perfectly flawed, making their journeys both funny and revealing. This play offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of diversity and inclusion, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with today’s cultural conversations and I believe this play will not only entertain you but also spark meaningful discussions and foster a deeper understanding of important social issues. Join us for White—it’s more than just a comedy; it’s an opportunity to laugh, reflect, and engage in vital conversations. Don’t miss this unique theatrical experience!“
Director Yolanda Marie Franklin’s talented production team includes the following.
- Stage Manager Sue Givens
Assistant Stage Manager Hayden St. Clair - Producer Ruth Russell
- Dramaturgy Marti Gobel
- Set Design and Construction John Spafford
- Props Design/Set Dressing Duane McGregor
- Scenic Painting Duane McGregor
- Lighting Design Deanna Trethewy
- Sound Design Ted Leib
- Costume Design Cassandra Crawford
- DEI Consultant Jamila Demby
- Intimacy Director D. Candis Paule
Yolanda Franklin (Director) Yolanda Marie Franklin is the Executive Artistic Director for Common Ground Theatre, a local theatre company in San Diego which stands as one of the first and longest running black theatre companies in America. She was last at Scripps Ranch Theatre directing the acclaimed 2024 production of STEW. Yolanda has heart, dedication, skill, talent, community relations and vision. For almost 20 years Yolanda has been a very loyal and dedicated member of our San Diego theatre community. In that time, she has had the privilege and good fortune of working with almost all of our theatre companies as either actor, writer, director or producer. Yolanda is also a multi-faceted award-winning actress and director capable of many disciplines and has been the recipient of three Craig Noel Critics Circle Awards for her production of The Ballad of Emmet Till. Under her direction, the show won the award for Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Dramatic Production, and Outstanding Direction. In 2020, Yolanda was appointed Executive Artistic Director of Common Ground Theatre and has given the company a resurgence within the community, while restoring this theatre community with the gift of producing works primarily for, by and about African American people. Yolanda has what it takes to get the job done and loves what she does in the arts serving and advocating for the equity of the unheard and unseen in her community and beyond.
James Ijames (Playwright) James Ijames is an American playwright, actor and professor born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He received his B.A. in Drama from Morehouse and his MFA in Acting from Temple University. Currently, he is a professor at Villanova Theatre in Philadelphia and co-artistic director of the Wilma Theatre, also in Philadelphia. His adaptation of Hamlet called Fat Ham, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2022. Many of his plays explore the exploitation of black women by feminism, contemporary culture and white women. His plays have no sense of ending or resolution. Many take place in a nightmare of history. His works are compared to the early works of Suzan-Lori Parks. James is clear on his philosophy of art. He believes, “You can’t own an idea. You can let it pass through you to become some better piece of the world… art should be both surprising and inevitable”
Scripps Ranch Theatre is located on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances run from February 14 – March 9th on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Patrons can purchase Ticketsonline at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org or call 858-395-0573.
About Scripps Ranch Theatre
Scripps Ranch Theatre (SRT) is a professional theatre company located on the campus of Alliant International University and is celebrating its 44th Season. Helmed by Artistic Director, Jill Drexler, Scripps Ranch Theatre produces a mainstage season in their intimate 118 seat space. SRT strives to share stories that engage the heart and mind. To learn more, visit www.scrippsranchtheatre.org
Susan Clausen
619-933-0038
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Press Contact: Susan Clausen * CLAUSEN COMMUNICATIONS * 619-933-0038 * [email protected]