Schaumburg play examines reactions to police shootings

Among the five plays he's written and directed for Powerhouse Productions' annual Black History Month show at Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts, Maurice D. Proffit is particularly proud of the timeliness and timelessness of this year's "Rise or Riot."

"This one, honestly, seems the most serious to me," Proffit says.

The plot revolves around the divisive impact a police shooting in Chicago has on a group of four graduating high school seniors. But Proffit said he can't emphasize enough that this is a family drama suitable for people of all ages.

"No one is going to walk out of there upset, no matter what your background is," he said. "It exemplifies a love for doing what's right."

In fact, he was able to cast a real Chicago police officer as the police chief in the play. From her, other cast members have gained a better insight on the perspective and responsibilities police officers face, Proffit said.

Another fascinating aspect of the production is how much real life mirrored the events of a script Proffit wrote last summer, well before the video of the Laquan McDonald was released in November.

Still, Proffit stresses that the events in his play are different and distinct from any one particular shooting.

The play will be performed at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court in Schaumburg.

Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. To order, visit ci.schaumburg.il.us/PCA/tickets/Pages/Powerhouse.aspx.