A Ball State professor's research about stereotypes and diversity will hit the University Theatre stage beginning Feb. 15 with the opening of "The Colored Museum," a show about what it means to be black in America and the past and present images that go along with it.  View a trailer for the production.

Dwandra Lampkin, an assistant professor of theater at Ball State, will direct the production of George C. Wolfe's "The Colored Museum," a highly controversial satire that is part of the Mainstage Subscription Series presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15-17 and 21-24 and at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in the University Theatre. The play features 11 museum "exhibits" that mix historical references, traditional stereotypes and original music to celebrate the African-American identity and culture, Lampkin said.

The cast includes Ball State students Dee Dee Batteast, Brian Harrison, Andrew Shade, Yutopia Essex and Chadae' McAlister among others.

Lampkin received grants from the Indiana Arts Commission and Ball State to conduct her research at the Schomburg Center for Black Research in Harlem, N.Y., last August.

"Before going to the Schomburg Center, I knew that an abundance of information would be at my fingertips, but upon arriving I realized that it far exceeded my expectations," she said. "This research has given me images to incorporate in the play, information to apply to the understanding of the piece, and it's allowed me to expand my knowledge of such a vast subject."

Lampkin said she expects the audience will leave the show with a new perspective and understanding about America's diversity or its lack thereof.

Tickets cost $12.50 for the public, $11.50 for Ball State faculty and staff, $9.50 for senior citizens and $6.50 for students. Tickets are available at the University Theatre box office. Call (765) 285-8749 for more information.

For more information, contact Lampkin at (765) 285-7364 or dnlampkin@bsu.edu.

By Kim Jackson