Incognito: On Race, Identity and Self Discovery

Michael Fosberg grew up in a white working-class family outside of Chicago, raised by his biological mother and adoptive father. When he was in his early thirties his parents divorced, inspiring him to track down his biological father. During a phone call, Michael learned "a couple of things I'm sure your mother never told you:" first, that his father had not forgotten him and, second, that he is African American. This life-changing event led to a remarkable journey of self-discovery. Fosberg uses his autobiographical play, Incognito, to probe his past, his family's reaction, and our country's difficulty in understanding and discussing identity, race, and heritage. The unique presentation is followed by a discussion about the meaning of race and identity and the importance of embracing diversity.