Defamation

Canamac Productions presents a riveting new courtroom drama “Defamation,” which explores the timely issues of race, class and religion, in a play in which Regina Wade, an African American businesswoman from Chicago’s south side sues Arthur Golden, a Jewish real estate developer from Winnetka, for defamation. In a unique twist, the audience plays the jury that decides the outcome of the trial.

The performance of "Defamation" on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Highland Park Public Library (494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035) is FREE and open to the public. Call (847) 432-0216 with any questions or for additional information.

This fall, “Defamation” kicked off a tour of the greater Chicagoland and Jackson, Miss. areas that includes high schools, colleges, community centers, libraries and places of worship, from Sept. 14 to Nov. 6. “I find it fitting that the issues of racism, classism and religious intolerance will be presented in environments where engagement with social justice is welcomed,” said playwright and Evanston resident Todd Logan. Each presentation of “Defamation” also includes a lively post-show panel discussion with the playwright and cast members to explore the sensitive topics presented in the play.

In “Defamation,” the audience jury must decide whether Golden’s accusation that Wade stole his watch is false, and if so, that this false statement led to Wade losing a major business account that damaged her financially. Evidence presented from both sides is compelling and calls into question both Wade’s and Golden’s motives, backgrounds and core beliefs.

“Defamation” is written by Todd Logan and directed by Richard Shavzin who also stars as defendant Arthur Golden. Additional casting is as follows: plaintiff Regina Wade is played by Stacie Doublin; plaintiff attorney Mr. Lawton is played by Brian Rooney; defense attorney Ms. Allen is played by Dorcas Sowunmi; Judge Adrian Barnes is played by Malcolm Rothman; and key witness Lorraine Jordan – who plays an African American lawyer whose largest client is Arthur Golden’s company, and whose law firm previously employed Regina Wade as its graphic designer until Golden accused her of stealing his watch – is played by Kimm Beavers.

Contact: Highland Park Public Library, (847) 432-0216

http://www.defamationtheplay.com