What does it mean to be “suddenly BLACK” at Georgetown? Obehi Utubor (SFS ’09) became forcefully aware of her background when she arrived on Georgetown’s campus as a freshman. She cited conversations that had racist undertones as well as blatant accusations that the color of her skin was the only reason she had been accepted to Georgetown University. This was during just her first week of school. Utubor’s experiences as a minority on campus developed into a year-long project that examined the history of racial discourse on Georgetown’s campus. Kicking off the Black Theatre Ensemble’s 30th year, “Suddenly BLACK, at Georgetown,” is the culminating feature in this intense journey of awareness, with performances this weekend in the Davis Performing Arts Center.

“Suddenly BLACK, at Georgetown,” is a one-woman show that was written and performed by Utubor, the executive producer for the Black Theatre Ensemble. The idea for her play came about after Utubor discovered a documentary that Yale students created called “Still Black, at Yale,” which discussed the legacy of black students on Yale’s campus.

“I was interested in the idea of being ‘suddenly BLACK’ at Georgetown because I feel the way we perform blackness on campus is tenuous,” she said.

Few students know about their black heritage. Father Patrick Healy’s legacy as a black man and the significance of the Black House on campus is discussed once in a blue moon but easily forgotten as many get swept away with school work and other distractions. However, the heritage and the past, Utubor feels, should be remembered, and a series of demonstrations in Red Square once every four years is not enough to question and protest the Georgetown identity.

Instead, Utubor is using her skills and talents as an artist in order to promote not only tolerance but also active dialogue between the dominant white community on campus and the black minority. Personal interviews with black Georgetown alumni and library archives dating back to 1968, when the first black students arrived on campus, are at the core of her study.

Utubor is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if that means critiquing organizations on campus. “Campus media is heavily criticized in the play, including The Hoya,” she said. However, this is not to burst anyone’s bubble, but to demonstrate the need for overall change and communication throughout Georgetown. As one of the characters in the play, Shirley Allen, says, “There is a need for more coordination and communication at a personal level. Beyond this whole black and white thing, we have to just talk to other people.”

The two performances of “Suddenly BLACK” are not only meant to forge dialogue between Georgetown peers but also to commemorate the Black Theatre Ensemble’s milestone anniversary. BTE strives to promote cross-cultural exchange and to enrich black American cultural heritage, which “Suddenly BLACK” definitely does. This play is sure to exceed expectations and open Georgetown’s eyes to the history of blacks on campus and what is needed to move ahead into the future.

Be sure to check out the free showings of “Suddenly BLACK” this weekend, Oct. 10 and 11, at 6 p.m. in the Davis Performing Arts Center. There will be a special Homecoming Weekend Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. before the Saturday performance.