AT AN elite East Coast university, an ambitious young black student and her esteemed white professor meet to discuss a paper the college junior is writing about the American Revolution. They’re both liberal. They’re both women. They’re both brilliant. But very quickly, discussions of grammar and Google turn to race and reputation, and before they know it, they’re in dangerous territory neither of them had foreseen – exposing dangerous divides that turn a private debate turns into a public war.

The Niceties is a complex and compelling depiction of racial and generational divides which speaks directly to our polarised, post-truth era, as it asks who gets to tell the story of America, and how.

Originally premiered at the Huntington Theatre, Boston, before transferring to Manhattan Theatre Club, New York City, The Niceties marks the European debut of a dazzling new American playwright, Eleanor Burgess.

The Niceties is showing at Finborough Theatre until October 26.

Tickets – £25, £20 concessions, except Tuesday evenings £20 all seats, and Saturday evenings £25 all seats.

Group bookings: one free ticket in every 10 tickets booked.