8 new plays by Los Angeles playwrights premiering July 18-20 and 25-27 at the Victory Theatre Center in Burbank!
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Our New Works Festival produces short plays by local writers and directors from marginalized communities. Each play is themed around social justice issues that are currently present in our community. By producing these plays in Burbank, we seek to amplify voices that are often unheard. Each writer will be paid a stipend for the performance of their script thanks to funding from the City of Burbank Community Arts Grant. ​
“DC20”, “TUFF”, “The Accident”, and “Strikeforce 1999”: Friday, July 18 at 7pm; Sunday, July 20 at 2pm; Saturday, July 26 at 7pm
“Root of All Evil”, “Seeker X”, “Coconut”, and “The Strand That Beads Us”: Saturday, July 19 at 7pm; Friday, July 25 at 7pm; Sunday, July 27 at 7pm
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“DC20”
Written by Donald Riddle
Directed by Titus Telge
Starring:
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Dating in LA? Now that’s a level 20 difficulty class! When cautious Dungeons and Dragons player Kelvin is asked out to game night at a gay bar, his roommate and Dungeon Master Marco tries to help him out through the power of the dice rolls! “DC 20” explores friendships and relationships of nerdy gay 20-somethings in LA navigating the world through the lens of Dungeons and Dragons.
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“TUFF”
Written by Cris Eli Blak
Directed by Sean Pollock
Starring:
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A year after his son’s passing, Coach meets his old friend Goose at the bar. After Goose reveals information about Coach’s son, the two men confront each other over how their upbringings and societal expectations have shaped their worldviews. “Tuff” addresses what it means being a father as a black man and wanting a better life for your children.
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“The Accident"
Written and Directed by April Littlejohn
Starring: Lena Fern Harris, Rylie Covone, Danielle Ritchie​
A girl comes home late from hanging with her friends to find that her absent mother is home early from her date and catches her. They get into a fight that reveals secrets about the daughter’s past and defines her place in the family.
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“Strikeforce 1999”
Written and Directed by Hector Malgoza
Starring: Andre Rodriguez, Maya Viloria, Kyle Kelley​
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Struggling Mexican-American actor Miguel enters the audition room for Officer Leo in the next hit action movie “Strikeforce 1999”. When the executives ask him to read for Criminal 2 instead and “act more Mexican”, Miguel is determined to show them he can play any role he is right for in a surprising twist.
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​“Coconut”
Written and Directed by Bedjou Jean
Starring:Timothy Paul McCray, Allen Corcorran, Mona Patel​
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In the near future where race change therapy is a reality, two patients meet in a waiting room and discuss why they are getting the operation. Walter, a black man, wishes to become a white Norwegian man. Maisha, an Indian Jewish woman changing into a Korean woman, questions why Walter would want to be separated from his community. A sci-fi analysis of racial stereotypes and what it truly means to “be yourself”.
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​“Root of All Evil”
Written & Directed by Christopher Lee Akens
Starring: Ray Mainenti, Donyae Murray, Bryce Lewis, Christopher Akens​
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Last draft pick LA Rams player Bobby encounters Greg, a homeless man, outside of the grocery store. When Greg doesn’t ask him for money and they strike up a conversation, an interesting friendship sparks between the two. Greg’s past life isn’t what Bobby expected, leading Bobby to confront how he views homeless people.
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​“Seeker X”
Written by Mario Vega
Directed by Adrian Clark
Starring: Anais Barradas, Marcie Robledo, Matthew Nelson​
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A 15 year old girl journeys from Guatemala to Florida to find her long lost mother and seek asylum in the United States. The only problem? Recent budget cuts to the U.S. justice system means her trial is at the local Burger King, the judge is the assistant manager, and the jury is one random white customer. Seeker pleads her case through over-exaggerated lies that play into racist stereotypes. An absurdist comedy on the state of our nation and immigration.
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“The Strand That Beads Us”
Written by Allison Fradkin
Directed by Joelle Joyner Wong
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Turquoise is a pony bead who won’t get off her high horse. Magenta is a steed of a bead who doesn’t hesitate to read her the riot act. And it’s not just their colors that clash. Can Rainbow Heart, a charm who’s both intrusive and inclusive, hang in there long enough to string these beads together?
The New Works Festival is made possible in part by the
