Dr. Tamera Coyne-Beasley with members of the "Porgy and Bess" cast.The UAB School of Medicine sponsored a private showing of the newly adapted production of "Porgy and Bess" at the Red Mountain Theater on Tuesday, Feb. 18 for School of Medicine faculty and staff. The play, adapted for the stage by George Gershwin, focuses on the underserved residents of a tenement in Charleston, SC. It addresses real-life issues such as addiction and violence. Following the performance, a reception was held for the School of Medicine attendees and a panel discussion, "Community Conversations," was moderated by Keith Cromwell, executive director of the Red Mountain Theater. 

Tamera Coyne-Beasley, M.D., Adolescent Medicine, was a participant on the panel along with Tony Jones, M.D., senior associate dean for Clinical Affairs and the entire "Porgy and Bess" cast. The panel covered topics such as addiction, trust among marginalized communities and health care professionals, and other varying themes portrayed within the play as it relates to today’s society.

Dean Vickers spoke of the panel discussion in his Dean's Message on Black History Month and our diverse community. 

Drs. Tony Jones and Tamera Coyne-Beasley with "Porgy and Bess" cast during panel discussion

Keith Cromwell moderating the "Community Conversations" panel