When I was a graduate student at the University of Florida, one of my favorite things to do was read a new script by a new playwright. The opportunity to dig into their words, their ideas, their desire to shed light on particular societal issues was always exciting to me.
I feel grateful that we get to do that yet today at Numad, where we have an opportunity to partner with Off-Broadway and regional theaters across the country to support their mission to bring new works to the stage, and offer a platform for artists to have a voice that provokes conversations and questions.
Right now, we are neck-deep in a number of productions and new works, including Noah Haidle's Smokefall, Dan O'Brien's The Body of an American, and soon, a series of three new plays at Local Theater Company in Boulder, Colorado, our newest client we are so excited to be working alongside.
This week, Local announced their 2016 Local Lab, a 3-day festival of new plays, and master class workshops with artists from around the world. Over the past few weeks, we've had an opportunity to work with the team at Local to market the festival. There are three exciting works that will get concert readings--plays that I found to be absolutely gripping, timely and important. New this year, festival-goers will also have an opportunity to participate in the creation of a new devised piece call Tone.
Here's a look at the plays and devised workshop:
Lottie in the Late Afternoon
Lottie is trying to be a good person. Lottie is trying to be a good friend. She’s cooking good food, buying nice gifts, saying all the right things and reading all the important books. Because it's a vacation! And everyone loves vacations! And everyone loves Lottie! She's so fun! All the time! Well, she can be! If she tries! Surely! Amelia Roper's hilarious play Lottie in the Late Afternoon is about being broke, sad, hurting, lonely and accidentally choosing a vacation house on the edge of a terrifying cliff.
The Rape of the Sabine Women, by Grace B. Matthias
This is a story of opposites. Boys and girls. Lawyers and teachers. Football and art. Sober and drunk. Yes and no. Jeff and Bobby are stars of the gridiron, ready to lead the Springfield High Romans to Homecoming victory. But standing in front of the end zone is Grace B. Matthias, who has accused the two football heroes of rape. Michael Yates Crowley's fast-paced, in-your-face comedy of truth and deception uses the myths of the Roman Empire to explore what it means to love--and turn your back on--someone.
The History Room
We should always keep our promises, right? In this dark, fantastical comedy, Steve made a promise to kill his best friend, Helen, if she descends into dementia like her mother. Now, 20 years later, while navigating the many faces of Helen's illness, her stubborn caregiver husband, her estranged daughter, and the blood-thirsty ghost of his own son, Steve must determine Helen's fate. Part farce, part magical realism, The History Room by Charlie Thurston explores honor, loss, the integrity of memory, and who should decide how it ends.
Tone. Devised Theater Workshop
Tone. is attitude. The way you express yourself outward. The line between LOL or Bahahaha. And at LOCAL Lab 2016, it includes you.* This 3-part interactive workshop gives LOCAL Lab Passholders an intimate look into the development of a brand new work alongside artists from New York City, Los Angeles, London and right here in Boulder. Led by LOCAL Associate Artistic Director Mare Trevathan and Broadway's Roundabout Theatre Director of New Play Development Jill Rafson, you will be part of an ensemble working to create Tone.--a new play exploring how we make ourselves understood in the digital age. Here, we aren't labeled as actors, writers, directors or audience members... we're all creators. So, how will you make yourself understood?
Festival passes, which include all three shows, three master classes, and two parties, are just $99 and now available. If you live in or around Boulder, check it out. Should be a great weekend.