Artists at Play Readings 2014

Continuing our mission to present stories of underrepresented communities, Artists at Play will develop and showcase two new works to the Los Angeles theatre community. And in the midst of a national discussion on the lack of diversity in American theatre, we are proud to present plays that feature hugely diverse casts including an eclectic array of female characters.

Marabella
By Boni Alvarez
Directed by Peter J. Kuo
Dramaturgy by Tiffany Moon

Featuring Fran de Leon, Blake Boyd, Brendan Bradley, Jeremy Lelliott, Juliet Naulin, Hilary Ward, Stephanie Berlanga, Marie Ponce, Maria Pasquarelli.

Marabella has been struggling to care for her newborn in her Pacoima apartment. When the baby's father, Jason Ellis, suddenly loses his wife, Marabella sees an opportunity to return back to the affair she was forced to leave behind. She expects a warm welcome. Instead she encounters a home filled with rage and resentment. Before she can return to Jason's arms, she must deal with the attractive young tutor and Jason's two sons whom she once nannied. Playwright Boni Alvarez offers a contemporary adaptation of Medea that leads a multi-ethnic cast in a thrilling and highly provocative journey.

She Kills Monsters: Adventurer's Edition
By Qui Nguyen
Directed by Andy Lowe

Featuring Jane Lui, Julia Cho, Brian Archer, Annalice Heinz, Paul Dateh, Claire Kaplan, Genevieve Lee, Albert Park, Alden Ray, Cynthia San Luis, and NRaca.

A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans, a teenager dealing with the death of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly's Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly's refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.