The Penn State School of Theater’s production of I.D., written by NSangou Njikam and directed by Steve Broadnax, is focused around family, identity, origins, and truth. With a fun mixture of rapping, songs, and subplots, I.D. leaves the audience wondering if tomorrow can change as we uncover the truth of our pasts.

The play is centered around and narrated by the DNA specialist Dr. Helix as he attempts to “eliminate race.” He persuades the other characters in the show to get DNA tests done in order to discover their pasts. The morality of the tests caused disagreement between the characters; some argued that it would be better to forget about what is gone and embrace the present, while others claimed the tests would help them discover their true identity.

I.D. uses a satirical approach to expose the injustice in the law enforcement system, police brutality, and ignorance in America. The characters don’t sidestep anyone’s feelings; the play is honest about problems regarding racial discrimination and is determined to exploit the arrogance of racism.

The actors lighten the mood by encouraging audience participation throughout the production, including a fun Michael Jackson dance number to break from all of the heavy subject matter. The play leaves the audience with a strong message about appreciating our differences and acknowledging our roots, but not letting them define us.

There are two more performances of I.D., tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. It’s not to late to stop by the Penn State Downtown Theater Center or Eisenhower Auditorium and get your tickets, or you can buy them online here. Make sure to keep up to date with all of the theatre groups on campus like The Penn State Thespians, School of Theatre, No Refund Theatre, and One Stage Revolution to find out more about their upcoming shows.