New Play Festival
"Producing new work is much riskier than doing something tried and true."
theater
Four of Philly's most established artistic directors are committed to one thing: celebrating new work. Terrence Nolen (Arden), Abigail Adams (People's Light & Theatre), Blanka Zizka (Wilma) and Seth Rozin (InterAct) decided a few years back to one day coordinate their theatrical seasons to run new plays simultaneously. Reaching out to the Philadelphia Theatre Alliance for help with marketing and promotions, these conceivers set the wheels of Philly's inaugural New Play Festival in motion.
"The average theatergoer is much more willing to see something with a reputation and following," says Theatre Alliance Executive Director Deborah Golden. "Producing new work is much riskier than doing something tried and true."
Nine world premieres are featured on the fest's schedule, including Bookends at the Walnut Street Independence Studio and Stormy Weather: Imagining Lena Horne at the Prince, in addition to productions at the four founders' stomping grounds. Staged readings, workshops and panel discussions with the likes of famed playwrights Christopher Durang and Jeffrey Hatcher will be scattered throughout the city's most daring performance venues.
Runs Feb. 8-18, Philadelphia Theatre Alliance, 215-413-7150, www.theatrealliance.org/newplayfestival.
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