Now "The Overwhelming" has been performed around the world. "I've been extremely pleased. I wrote it thinking, 'Who's going to do a play with a cast of 11 people, most of them black, without a happy ending?' To my surprise, it's been remarkably well-received."

"I have no doubt that people will come," Morris said, "I told someone at the store that I'm doing a play about Rwanda, and within two minutes I had about 22 people in that aisle listening to me. It's eye-opening, the show is eye-opening."

Rogers, who is working on two new plays, will be in town for the opening to participate in the post-play discussion following Sunday's matinee performance.

If you go ...

What: The Overwhelming
Where: Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 W. 500 North
When: Wednesday through Oct. 12
How much: $13-$34
Phone: 363-7522
Web: www.saltlakeactingcompany.org

Also: Post-play discussions, Sept. 21 and Sept. 28, about 4:30 p.m. (free)

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E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com