Editor's note: This program has been extended for free streaming until March 7.

While racial tensions in America are at a peak, the University of Delaware's Resident Ensemble Players (REP) continues its imaginative audio season with an unflinching look at all things racial with their world premiere of Talk About Race; conceived, written, and directed by REP company member Hassan El-Amin.

This thought-provoking and engaging production moves quickly and captivatingly through a mix of vignettes using sketch comedy, obscure American history, rousing contemporary and historical speeches, and original musical numbers to create new perspectives on a subject that touches all of us.

Race is a tough subject for many people and conversations about it are rarely productive. “People are in their own corners, their own world,” says writer-director Hassan El-Amin when asked why these conversations are so difficult. “I think music and humor is a way to get in. This production is part sketch comedy, part satire, part history, and part music. Music allows for another way of hearing because it dictates feeling. Music can control your emotions, and I look for that to happen. We want to examine this heavy subject in a way that actually makes a difference.”

Talk About Race will be available for streaming for free anytime online from Feb. 5 to Feb. 28 through the REP’s website at https://www.rep.udel.edu/presentations/talk-about-race