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Theater

THE NICETIES A Black college student and her white professor explore questions of race, power, and language in this searing drama by Brookline native Eleanor Burgess. Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse’s virtual production costars Amy Brenneman (“Tell Me Your Secrets,” “Judging Amy,” “The Leftovers”) and Tsilala Brock. In a review of the play’s 2018 premiere at Boston’s Huntington Theatre Company (with a different cast), I described “The Niceties” as “a didacticism-prone but provocative and blisteringly smart play” that “generates a verbal whirlwind with a words-per-minute velocity that rivals Aaron Sorkin.” Directed by Joann Green Breuer. Presented by Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse. Through April 4. Tickets $15. www.mvplayhouse.org