HE Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society (BMDS) is to break typecast with its next production.

, written by American playwright Tracey Scott Wilson, features a mainly black cast and has as its subject matter racism and the media.

For those reasons alone, its actors feel the play is relevant to Bermuda society.

After , a major US newspaper confuses pictures and wrongly accuses an African-American of murder, it creates a section for the black community in response to the barrage of criticism.

"It's very cleverly written," said Jennifer Burrell. She plays Pat, the editor of the black section, Outlook. Her skills are called to task after Yvonne, an ambitious African-American reporter played by Kahlilah Smith, joins her team.

As a means of being transferred to the news section of the paper, Yvonne begins investigating the death of a white teacher, allegedly murdered by a black man in front of his wife.

"I think it's the best thing BMDS could do," said Ms Burrell. "You don't see a lot of black-oriented plays there. When I joined a year ago, I was the only black face in the productions. And so I hope this hits a different audience.

"It would be nice to see some different faces from the usual BMDS audience. The issues that this play is tackling are issues that blacks and whites aren't comfortable discussing ? stereotyping, interracial relationships, murder and corruption."

Ms Burrell said the play held something for everyone ? a mystery and a drama and it also boasts comedic moments.

The upcoming production represents her largest acting role in Bermuda. She performed in the pantomime in 2004, and most recently appeared in the Waterspout Theatre production .

Directed in that role by John Zuill, she admits it was his directorial involvement in that lured her to its cast.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with John again and will always be grateful for this challenging role and a chance to grow and learn as an actress. It's my first proper role with BMDS. I was drawn to it also because the part of Pat was really juicy. The only really challenging aspect is that I have to play an American," the British-born actress explained.

Co-star Stephen Emery was just as excited to be involved. Citing as his "first stage production", he explained he was encouraged by Mr. Zuill to audition and subsequently landed the part of Neil, Pat's right-hand man.

"I found myself one evening engaged in conversation with John, who had directed the play I had just seen at Docksider's, ," he said.

"During our dialogue he informed me that he was about to undertaker directing at the Daylesford Theatre. The plot intrigued me and whetted my appetite for acting. I auditioned for the part of Neil and I was overjoyed to be given it.

"I think it's the sort of play that will grab people who don't normally go out to plays. Blacks in Bermuda, especially, will relate to it. I'm really happy. So far it's been a lot of fun and I'm learning from everybody."