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New Play Festival is Feb. 23-26
The Occidental College Theater Department will feature staged readings and workshop presentations of six student-written productions during this year’s New Play Festival, scheduled for Feb. 23-26 at the college’s Keck Theater.
The productions are professionally directed with student casts supplemented by a small number of professional actors. Admission is free.
For a campus map and directions to Occidental, click here. For more information, call (323) 259-2922.
The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, Feb. 23
3 p.m.
“Out of the Vat and Into the Fire: A Mental Adventure in One Act” (staged reading)
Written by Brandon Baruch ’07
An eerie meditation on the mysterious workings of the inner mind. Set in the unconscious dreamscape of a woman in a coma, the reading explores the philosophical underpinnings of free-will, our need for fantasy and the actual nature of what we call “real.”
8 p.m. (also Saturday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m.)
“The Beauty Myth” (workshop)
Written by Lisa Szolovit ’06
This work turns upside-down the myths of Persephone and Aphrodite. Using myths as metaphors for our culture’s relationship to the ideals of beauty, the author has recast the immortal goddesses in a modern context as they struggle with expectation, self-image and the impossibility of perfection.
Friday, Feb. 24
7 p.m.
“Naughty!” (reading)
Written by Gabrielle Benoit ’06
The reading takes a look at the role of gender in modern society. “Naughty!” focuses on two transgendered individuals as they grapple with their pasts, their families and their newfound love for each other. Using humor, musical acts and bizarre theatricality, the play ultimately is an exploration of unconditional love.
9 p.m. (also Sunday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m.)
“After Life” (workshop)
Written by Alexander Brody ’06
“After Life” takes an ironic wild ride into the depths of heaven and hell. Complete with angels, demons, sinners and saints, the play careens through the life of a bad man who must come to terms with his goodness.
Saturday, Feb. 25
5 p.m.
“The Beauty Myth” (See Feb. 23 for description)
8 p.m. (also Sunday, Feb. 26, 8 p.m.)
“Side Show” (workshop)
Written by Jay Blair ’06
“Side Show” captures the sweet, melancholy atmosphere of an old world traveling circus. The circus’ ringmaster, long estranged from his wealthy family, finds his small kingdom crumbling when a lost relative shows up with startling news.
Sunday, Feb. 26
2 p.m.
“The Tangled Bank” (staged reading)
Written by Michael Linvill ’07
This production explores biology, emotions and fate as a young student of genetics is forced to re-examine long-held beliefs about the way people behave and feel in this witty and sad play.
5 p.m.
“Side Show” (See Feb. 25 for description)
8 p.m.
“After Life” (See Feb. 24 for description)
The festival is being produced by Laural Meade ’88, adjunct instructor of theater, and Nate Genung ’07. The event is paid for in part by the Remsen Bird Fund.