Savage Wilds Part Ii Play

Polemic playwright Ishmael Reed--who brandishes his pen like a knife--is jabbing the U.S. Justice Department for its prosecution of Washington Mayor Marion Barry on cocaine charges in his bizarre and wacky new play, "Savage Wilds Part II." Barry's case is ready-made for the stage, says the 52-year-old Oakland writer, who uses his drama to pepper the government for what he sees as a racist assault on the mayor.

Polemic playwright Ishmael Reed--who brandishes his pen like a knife--is jabbing the U.S. Justice Department for its prosecution of Washington Mayor Marion Barry on cocaine charges in his bizarre and wacky new play, "Savage Wilds Part II." Barry's case is ready-made for the stage, says the 52-year-old Oakland writer, who uses his drama to pepper the government for what he sees as a racist assault on the mayor.