The Fire This Time

As a metaphor for struggle, for searing tension, for societal discomfort and even for a revival, fire is a concept that frequently imbues imagery related to civil rights and race relations in the United States. The Burnin’ is a perfect example of the metaphor played to an extreme: Two nightclubs...

By Jennifer Davis-Lamm

April 9, 2015

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As a metaphor for struggle, for searing tension, for societal discomfort and even for a revival, fire is a concept that frequently imbues imagery related to civil rights and race relations in the United States. The Burnin’ is a perfect example of the metaphor played to an extreme: Two nightclubs in a fictional town named Antebellum experience devastating fires, 75 years apart. The symbolism here isn’t subtle, but it’s teased out through timelines that seemingly overlap — and prove that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Progress Theatre’s new play is a thought-provoking piece about cultural identity in the face of tragedy, and about our perceptions of how cultural progress is measured. It will be staged at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave.. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door; visit facebook.com/events/646600232140534/ for more.
Fri., April 10, 8 p.m.; Sat., April 11, 8 p.m., 2015

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