What kind of stories are you interested in? Chances are good that Playwrights Project has something that’s your cup of tea. This year’s Plays by Young Writers Festival features 8 short plays that explore a gamut of intriguing themes including: border issues, kinship care, how we perceive death, and the meaning of family. And those are just in the 4 full productions! The remaining 4 will be staged readings – actors will still move about, but they’ll have scripts in hand. And the younger playwrights of the staged readings have some big ideas too, including: the importance of pursuing dreams, seniors coping with aging, the invasive grip of technology on our lives, and the betrayal of friendships and trust.
The writers work with the whole creative team to bring their vision to life, and if I didn’t tell you that these writers are all 18 and under, you might have no idea. The depth of insight and grasp of theatricality within their plays is astounding.
Will you help spread the word about this treasure trove of new talent? Playwrights Project needs help securing the last part of the creative team: the audience!
Playwrights Project will present the 30th annual festival of Plays by Young Writers at The Sheryl and Harvey White Stage in the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center at The Old Globe on January 22 – February 1, 2015. The festival is sponsored by the Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky Family Fund. As long-time friends and major donors of Playwrights Project, Mr. and Mrs. Lipinsky were the organization’s natural choice when seeking a major sponsor for the festival.
The festival features winning scripts from the California Young Playwrights Contest for ages 18 and under. Contest winners were selected from 581 plays submitted by students from across the state.
In this year’s festival, hidden truths and unspoken needs complicate the lives of four families in very different ways.
- Coffee, Cream, and Closure by Matthew Maceda, age 15 – Felicia, a busy career woman seeks the help of a medium to re-examine her relationship with her family.
- Crown Prince Crazy by Alberto Cordova, age 18 – When 16-year-old Benny’s family is deported, he must find a way to tell his mother he plans to stay in the U.S.
- From Another House by Eliana Pipes, age 17 – Lena’s first meeting with her father and his family sparks discoveries and questions about the meaning of family.
- Light by Ke’Ona, age 17 – Danielle’s need to be accepted by her lighter skinned family exposes intraracial prejudice and a search for self-worth.
The full schedule, more information, and tickets are available at www.playwrightsproject.org or by calling (858) 384-2970.
Leave a Reply