Defamation, a Play by Todd Logan, Performed at BU
Sponsored by BU Law and the BU Arts Initiative, the play explores race, gender, religion, and class in American law.
On Wednesday, November 9, Boston University hosted a performance of Defamation, a play by Todd Logan, at the George Sherman Union. Sponsored by BU Law and the BU Arts Initiative, the play examines the role of race, gender, religion, and class in American law. After 90 minutes of courtroom drama, the interactive play asks the audience to serve as the jury.
The crux of the play is a case involving an African-American woman accused of stealing a watch from her employer, a wealthy, white businessman. Claiming financial harm, she charges him with defamation. At the start, the judge explains to the audience what is required to hold someone liable for the charge. The play largely consisted of direct examination and cross-examination of the plaintiff, the defendant and an additional witness, while the judge broke the tension with lighthearted humor. Each side’s attorney repeatedly introduced issues of race, religion, and class status as part of the representation of their clients.
At the conclusion of the case, it was the audience’s turn to take action. Led by the judge, each jury member could vote as undecided, guilty, or not guilty. The vote showed a small portion of the audience found the defendant not guilty, and the rest were split between undecided and guilty. The judge then turned the discussion over to the jury, and audience members were invited to explain what they voted for and why. At the conclusion of “jury deliberations,” the judge took a second poll of the audience, where a large majority found in favor of the plaintiff.
A discussion with the cast of the play followed the audience’s participation as jury. The cast members discussed their experiences performing the play in other cities, and the reasons an audience may vote in favor of the plaintiff or the defendant. They noted that roughly eighty percent of audiences vote in favor of the African-American plaintiff, as BU did. The discussion touched largely on the emotions felt by the audience throughout the play, but also on how race and religion can be used by lawyers in court proceedings.
The play provided a unique opportunity for both undergraduates and law students to engage in substantive discussions of critical issues in society. On the heels of the presidential election, a poignant and engaged discussion of race, religion, and class status was constructive and well received by the Boston University community.
The BU Arts Initiative works to ensure the integral role of the arts in the educational experience of every BU student. It supports faculty, student, and staff projects, making sure the arts are deeply embedded within the cultural and intellectual fabric of the University.
Reported by Brendon Slean (’17).