4InPlay Theatre company presents an original script with music written by Kansas City playwright Keith Andrews with stage direction by well-known Kansas City playwright and director Jacqueline Gafford. It asks “What does it take to awaken from bigotry?” 

WOKE is a new musical play which addresses the questions about race and homophobia which have plagued our country through its history and continue to do so today. It explores the lives of two young men in Alabama in the 1960’s. In spite of their race, friendship and eventually love blooms in the racially-toxic atmosphere of the segregationist and white supremacist south.

As “Posey” who is black, and “JJ” who is white, develop a strong bond, the audience becomes increasingly anxious, as we hear from their families, their churches, and their communities. The only refuge the young men find is in the unconditional love of Posey’s grandmother and JJ’s mother, and in a class at the university, where they meet and develop a mutual friendship with an understanding professor. How the relationships evolve – or devolve – plays out in the course of the production.

Performances are scheduled for August 21-25 at the Just Off Broadway Theater 3051 Central, Kansas City. Tickets may be reserved, and paid for at the door by calling or texting Fran Farah of InPlay at 816-516-5858.  Tickets may also be purchased on line for $15. Group tickets (10 or more) are $10.