Zooman and the Sign

Thu., July 30, 7 p.m.; Fri., July 31, 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Sat, Aug. 1, 2 and 8 p.m.; $20, Freedom Theatre, 1346 N. Broad St, 215-978-8497, freedomtheatre.org.

by Brion Shreffler

theater

Written by native son/La Salle alum Charles Fuller, this traditional story with an avant-garde twist bravely examines inner-city violence, exploring a horrible murder and the community apathy that follows. Director Johnnie Hobbs Jr. immerses his characters — and his audience — into the harsh reality of urban life, asking us to face everything from the failings of the judicial system to the disintegration of family structure. Says Hobbs, "It's a very clever way to put the mirror up and look at ourselves."