Because of the incredible response we've had to the first week of "Black and Blue" -- and the important conversations that it's leading to -- we're adding two community talk-backs for the show.

The first will be held Sunday, Sept. 18. It will be hosted by UI professor Miriam Gilbert, a longtime host of Riverside Theatre's "Thursday Theatre Talk" program.

The second will be held following the performance on Friday, Sept. 23. Working in collaboration with the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, we will feature two guests:

Lisa Covington, a PhD candidate who is very involved with several Black student groups both on campus and nationally, and who has served as an advocate for a friend who was falsely arrested and jailed;

Officer Gabby Blanchard, who is spearheading local law enforcement training in Unconscious Bias.

"Black and Blue" writer/director Sean Christopher Lewis will be present at both talkbacks as well.

Although these are post-show talkbacks, members of the community are free to attend even without a ticket to Friday's or Sunday's shows. If you would like to participate in either talkback, simply arrive at the theatre by 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 or by 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23. We look forward to having you join the conversation.