The Chautauqua Theater Company will stage “Detroit ’67” at Chautauqua Institution’s Bratton Theater today through Sunday. Show times are: today at 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 2:15 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Submitted photo by Dave Munch, Chautauquan Daily photo editor

CHAUTAUQUA — A fresh, unique take on the 1967 Detroit riot is being staged at Chautauqua Institution 50 years after the unfolding of its tragic events.

The Chautauqua Theater Company will perform “Detroit ’67” at Chautauqua’s Bratton Theater today at 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 2:15 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Written by Dominique Morisseau, a 2016 Obie Award Winner and the 2014 recipient of the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History, “Detroit ’67” is set on the eve of the titular event that ravaged the city. It is presented from perspective of a brother and sister living in Detroit during that time, in pursuit of the American Dream as the events surrounding the riots transpire around them.

The play is being directed by Steve Broadnax III and overseen by Managing Director Sarah Clare Corporandy, who said the play’s intrigue takes root in the way it encapsulates a specific and unique moment in time.

“‘Detroit ’67’ takes place a couple days before and at the beginning of the rebellion that happened in 1967. It’s really about a family who lives in the neighborhood where it started and what’s going on in their lives and how the rebellion directly affects them,” Clare said. “So essentially it’s like taking a microscope and focusing on this one family in the midst of a historical event.

“What’s so great about it is Dominique really brings you into this time period through the use of language and music,” she said. “You really get to know about this family and their love of this time and city, and experience this horrible moment in time with them.”

With a discerning eye toward authenticity, Clare said the production makes use of period-accurate sets and costumes — leading spectators to feel as if they’ve been transported back to a 1967 Detroit basement, where much of the play takes place. She added that, although set around specific historical events, the subject matter is still relevant to modern society and current events.

“What’s really important (about this play) is that, even though these riots happened 50 years ago, you might find that not a lot has changed in our country; particularly if you consider the state of relations between police and different ethnic groups across the nation,” Clare said. “Something about this piece reminds us that our work is not done and the problem is not fixed. Besides the fact that this is a well-written play, it also brings up a good number of things that we as a society need to be talking about.”

For more information about the Chautauqua Theater Company’s production of “Detroit ’67,” or to purchase tickets to any of the remaining shows, visit chq.org/chautauqua-theater-company.