With the recent political climate, it is important for Kean University students to get a dose of reality and empathy for the issues today. Kean is always trying to provide outlets for students, whether through the Human Rights Institute, events in the Miron Student Center (MSC) Atrium or Kean Stage. 

One of the ways Kean Stage gets its point across is through musicals and plays. Rhapsody In Black will be shown Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in Wilkins Theatre. 

Rhapsody in Black was written and performed by LeLand Gantt and developed at NYC’s Actor’s Studio by Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons. The one-man show explores Gantt’s personal journey from poverty, crime and drugs to scholastic achievement and a successful acting career, and how he learned to understand and eventually transcend racism in America.

This is an inspiring and thought-provoking play that raises the question: Can people rise above their prejudice in a conversation with someone different than them?

The audience can follow along Gantt's story of growing up in an unprivileged childhood located in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. One can also sympathize with the issues and obstacles Gantt faced such as crime and drugs.

This play though is one that encourages working through obstacles and making a way for success. 

Students can buy tickets to Rhapsody in Black online or at the Wilkins Theatre. Tickets are $10.

Take the initiative!