THE PLAY: A Black student at an elite liberal arts college discusses her paper about slavery’s effect on the American Revolution with her white professor.

THE PRODUCTION: This is a dramatized academic debate (it takes place at college after all), albeit a thoughtful, well-written one. On top of that, this production makes what could have been a preachy lecture into a compelling theatrical encounter. Debra Clinton’s professor grounds the arguments from the traditional establishment POV, which gives her the harder job. Luckily, Clinton makes the difficult arguments with forceful conviction, while making her character empathetic. As the student, Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew embodies the complex challenges of her anger with a nuanced and ultimately formidable performance. Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates has staged the actors in continually-shifting arrangements to accommodate the ¾ seating. She’s also kept the pace tight, managing to ramp up the pressure as the conflicts accelerate. The tech elements successfully support the production. Running time: 2:10 with intermission

THE POINT: This intelligent treatise on timely controversial subjects is bolstered by a perfectly-matched pair of engrossing performances and strong supporting direction. (4.5 / 5)

This is the first production from The Conciliation Lab. Since it’s sold out every show, they’ve extended it one more weekend thru 10/23.