Collidescope: Adventures in Pre- and Post-Racial America

Collidescope: Adventures in Pre- and Post-Racial America

November 7-14, 2014
Collidescope
Principal People: 

Co-writers and directors Ping Chong and Talvin Wilks

Special Announcement: 

Friday, November 14: Arrive early! We expect heavy parking delays to other events occurring on campus. 

Event Attributes

Estimated Length: 
2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission
Program Notes: 

Internationally acclaimed auteur Ping Chong and noted director and dramaturg Talvin Wilks will collaborate with University of Maryland graduate and undergraduate designers and performers to develop a theatrical presentation in response to the seemingly perpetual killings of young black men in America.

This devised work will examine the historical roots of Black and White race relations in the United States, moving back and forth in time to connect the dots between America’s troubled racial history and its on-going consequences. Ping Chong will apply his visually arresting signature style and dynamic use of media and staging to realize this timely and provocative work.

Featured in DCMetroTheaterArts’ Best of 2014

Collidescope was recognized for:

  • Best University Productions
  • Best Ensemble
  • Moriamo Akibu's role as James Baldwin
  • Vaughn Midder's role as Paul Robeson

Podcast with Jo Reed, National Endowment for the Arts

Hear Ping Chong, six-time National Endowment for the Arts grantee, connect racial history to current unrest in this podcast.

Review by The Washington Post

“Collidescope” is, however, beautifully designed and conceptually intriguing, at least insofar as its hopscotching narrative seeks with such sweep to illuminate the staying power of racism.

PETER MARKS, The Washington Post, November 12, 2014

Review by DC Metro Theater Arts

Collidescope literally takes you on a space ride through time warps in America’s twisted racial history. It shines a microscopic light on where we have been, how we got here and where we are headed if homo sapiens fails to ignite fire in the soul for social justice and recognition of our common humanity.

RAMONA HARPER, DC Metro Theater Arts, November 9, 2014

Preview by UMD Writer's Bloc

Although the shooting of Trayvon Martin triggered [Ping] Chong’s analysis of race relations in a theatrical context, he said he realized this issue is bigger than one shooting. “At the heart of it, it’s using these historical stories to give context to the things we are addressing today,” Collidescope co-director Talvin Wilks said.

VICTORIA TANNER, The Writer's Bloc, November 1, 2014

Video by UMD Writer's Bloc