The story focuses on a young dean of students, Sarah Daniels, at a liberal arts college in New England who must face her own racist attitudes as she tries to help a young African American student who is being sent racist and threatening notes. Well-intentioned and liberal, her ultimate downfall and the revelation of the author of the notes is all the more devastating.

Written in 2000, the play is a searing look at our contemporary society in which pragmatism and honesty are never simple concepts. The play has been heralded by the Chicago Tribune as "an extraordinary, fresh, eloquent and candid new play." Peter Marks of The New York Times states, "Ms. Gilman’s head-on collision with this nuanced subject…invites an audience to recall the theatre as topical and provocative."

Director of Theatre Deborah Martin directs the play. "This play addresses a difficult, often painful subject. But I’m thrilled to direct this play on a campus whose history and current conversations center around issues of racial and gender diversity." The cast includes Rakisha Pollard as the Dean of Students, Sarah Daniels. Additional cast members are Jeff From, Clay Goodpasture, Nisha Dorsey, Stephanie Smith, Jason Bergstrom and Dorrie Pruvenok. Scenery and lighting are designed by Shan Ayers; costumes are designed by Mary Ann Shupe. Denis Burton assists the direction, and Susan Bond is the stage manager.

"This cast and production crew are incredible," says Martin. "They are undertaking some very difficult issues with grace and dignity. Their sensibilities and talents are nothing short of amazing. We are all very fortunate to have this kind of talent at Berea College."

The Berea College Black Cultural Center will be sponsoring post-show discussions following the performances. It will be a forum to discuss the topics raised in the production.

Performances for Spinning Into Butter are 8 p.m. February 21, 22 and 26 through March 1. Tickets range in price from $5 to $10 and can be reserved by calling the Berea College Theatre Box Office at (859) 985-3300. Berea College students are admitted free of charge.