Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Theater Of The Future
T2’s Play Fest helps share new works
What if you, as a fan of theater, had a chance to see in to the future? “In the last several seasons in particular, many of the plays featured at the Arkansas New Play Festival have gone on to major productions and award recognition,” says Dexter J. Singleton, director of New Play Development for TheatreSquared.
Now in its 15th year, the Arkansas New Play Festival has helped jump start more than 75 new plays, he points out, among them “At the Wedding” by Bryna Turner, which opened at the Lincoln Center in the spring of 2022; “Weightless” by the Kilbanes, which was nominated for a Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk Award in its WP Theatre debut this season; “Russian Troll Farm” by Sarah Gancher, a New York Times Critic’s Pick that received a 2022 Obie Award; and, most recently, “FLEX” by Candrice Jones, opening at the Lincoln Center this summer.
This year’s festival offers “a diverse lineup of powerful, new, thought-provoking plays by a mix of established, well-known writers as well as emerging writers and those newer to the field,” Singleton notes. “You can always say that you saw it at ANPF first.”
Scheduled to be performed at locations in both Benton and Washington counties starting today and continuing through July 25 are:
“Nancy” by Rhiana Yazzie directed by Ken-Matt Martin
It’s 1985 in Washington, D.C., and two women are trying to steer their futures — Nancy Reagan from the White House, orchestrating her husband “Ronnie’s” political career according to daily astrological trends, and Esmeralda, a Navajo mother advocating for her community.
“The Grove of Forgetting” by Robert Ford, directed by Damon Kiely
Summer, 1938. Ilona, a famed concert pianist, refuses to be ruled by fear even as fellow Jewish artists and academics flee Hungary. Budapest is a haven from the growing Nazi fervor — isn’t it? Filled with intrigue, music, and wry humor, “The Grove of Forgetting” is a taut emotional thriller.
“Raices|Roots” by LatinX Theatre Project
The newest devised work by the LatinX Theatre Project. LXTP is a socially engaged theater group of professionals and young artists-in-training that is committed to continuing an inclusive conversation about community identity through its devised theater performances.
“Saturday Mourning Cartoons” by Iraisa Ann Reilly
Jessica and Benny, two Latino siblings, have a falling out over whether to put their abuela, Yolanda, in a nursing home. Ultimately, Benny wins the argument. But when they are no longer able to go inside the home during visiting hours, the family is forced to confront one another while visiting her at the window.
“I Am Delivered’t” by Jonathan Norton
Good Friday. The New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church’s Seven Last Words service is in full swing. But outside — on the church parking lot — another resurrection story is taking shape. Sis, the vice president of Usher Board No. 1, and her protege Pickles find themselves in a battle royal of romantic quagmires.
Performances will be held in Bentonville at the Momentary (507 S.E. E St.), in Springdale at the Medium (214 S. Main St.), and in Fayetteville at TheatreSquared (477 W. Spring St.). New Play Passes, with access to all Northwest Arkansas performances, are on sale now for $50 at 777-7477 or arkansasnewplayfest.com.