End of an Era

By now, it must be obvious that my play was cancelled. Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Flux Theatre Ensemble’s production of Rage Play was cancelled. We were halfway through the rehearsal period, and while the decision to shut down the show for health and safety concerns was easy, it was also quite painful.

It’s taken me a long time to update my website because it’s taken me a long time to accept that a play that I had worked for more than two years did not quite make it to the stage. While I have plenty of unproduced plays, I have never had one go all the way through the process only to stop just before production. It has taken me some time to process this loss along with the radical change in my lifestyle to stay inside almost all the time.

I was really proud of this play. It was a departure from my usual romantic fare, and while I think it was funny, it was also very dark. It was scary to think of putting this play out into the world, to allow my darkness to show, and in that scariness, it was also thrilling.

Thanks to the wonderful folks behind the TheaterWithoutTheater handle on Instagram, a small piece of my play has made it onto the internet. It’s just a taste, but I’m grateful to have some of the work documented . A special shout out to Alexandra Curran who took the time to tape the monologue and to Dina Vovsi who made the link happen! I’m grateful to the amazing circle of artists who continue to support each other in this crazy time.

I hope to be able to share more of Rage Play with you online soon. But until then, be well.

"Rage Play" at the Abrons Center

It’s official! Flux Theatre Ensemble is producing my latest play, “Rage Play” at the Abrons Arts Center this spring. I’m thrilled that this play is coming to life after a year of development with Flux. Directed by Flux Creative Partner, Lori Parquet, the play will feature Leila Ben-Abdallah, Alexandra Curran, Yeauxlanda Kay, and Chris Wight, with a set by Flux Creative Partner, Will Lowry, lights by Flux Creative Partner, Kia Rogers, sound by Rena Anakwe, costumes by Karen Boyer, and fights by Rocio Mendez.

We recently completed a two week workshop of the play, and I am really excited to have the play fully up on its feet. This play has really pushed me as a writer to break out of my comfort zone. After all, I think of myself as a writer of rom-coms - I never thought I would be writing a play about rage! And yet it’s 2020 and here we are.

Shows start on March 28th and run through April 11th. Flux uses a Living Ticket system of ticketing which allows audiences to reserve a seat without the exchange of money. Flux publishes the budgets of their shows to encourage audiences to give according to what the work costs rather than an arbitrary number assigned. Ticket buyers are encouraged to give what they can to support the production. For more information about the show or to buy tickets, please click here.

See you next month!

Workshop of Rage

My play in progress, “Rage Play,” will receive a workshop through Flux Theatre Ensemble’s Food:Soul program which pairs a reading of a new work with food and discussion as a way to develop a play in a community. Flux has been an amazing support for my work, and I am so pleased to be working on the play with their remarkable company of artists.

We are in the midst of rehearsals and re-writes now, and we will present the first half of the play on Wednesday, December 5th at 7:30pm at Torn Page, 435 West 22nd Street. Doors will open at 7:30 for a welcoming repast and the reading should begin by 8:15.

“Rage Play” examines the ways in which women are complicit in their own oppression and what might push us over the edge. This play is a departure for me in that it does not follow a linear narrative structure, and I am so excited to share the work and learn from the audience.

For more information, click here.

New Year! New Show!

Happy New Year!  In 2017 I'm thrilled to join the cast of Adam Szymkowicz' "Marion, or the True Tale of Robin Hood" produced by Flux Theatre Ensemble for so many reasons.  First off, I'm happy to be working with Flux, one of my very favorite theater companies here in New York.  Next, since it was an Adam Szymkowicz play that first introduced me to Flux, it feels right to make my Flux acting debut with one of his plays.  Also, I've been cast as the slutty "Lady Shirley" which marks the first time I have been cast as a sexually manipulative woman which turns out to be great fun!  And finally, in this time of political upheaval, especially around women's and LGBTQ issues, it feels especially empowering to work on a play that celebrates underrepresented communities with humor and joy.

Previews begin on Saturday night, and our short run ends on February 11th.  Click here to reserve tickets now!  One of the many reasons that I love Flux is their commitment to creating accessible theater, and you may notice on the link that you do not have to pay any money to reserve tickets.  Donations are always welcome, and Flux also provides a full accounting of their budgets so that you can see how your ticket donation effects what you see on stage.  I love this Living Ticket initiative and hope that many of you will be able to take advantage of this link to learn more about a fantastic theater company.

See you at the theater!