Culture*Park Theatre’s Annual Short Plays Marathon Returns to New Bedford
The highly anticipated 18th Annual Short Plays Marathon is set to take place on November 18, 2023, at the Whaling Museum’s Cook Memorial Theatre in New Bedford. This event promises an engaging showcase of new short plays and solo narratives penned by local, regional, and international playwrights, allowing a diverse range of voices and stories to shine.
From 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. throughout the day, audience members will have the freedom to come and go, experiencing anything from a single play to a full day of theatrical performances. Co-Director Patricia Thomas expressed her excitement, stating, “We look forward to sharing the dynamic experience of the Short Plays Marathon, showcasing the remarkable talent within our community and beyond.” She encourages everyone to participate and immerse themselves in this collaborative and creative environment.
Featured Playwrights and Themes
Among the talented playwrights presenting their work are local names like Diane Brown-Couture, Theresa Brum, Pat Gomes, and Michele Mastroianni-Darche, alongside visiting artists such as Baha Sadr and Chantal Bilodeau. The marathon features a wide variety of themes, with no play exceeding 15 minutes. Many will be around 10 minutes, tackling subjects as far-reaching as the Civil War, artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, and intricate family dynamics.
This year’s lineup includes a diverse section of performances, including a mid-afternoon Solo Stage and evening slots that promise a mix of humor and heartwarming storytelling.
Engagement with Societal Issues
The festival opens with compelling narratives, such as “No Surrender” by Wellfleet’s Candace Perry, which prompts thought-provoking discussions about the Civil War through the lens of a ghostly encounter. Additionally, plays like “Too Close for Comfort” by Theresa Brum examine mother-daughter relationships, while Pat Gomes’s piece weaves in a real-life UFO narrative “Coffee, Eclairs and the Conflict of Free Will.” The event continues to be a platform for exploring contemporary concerns through the lens of theatrical storytelling.
Solo Stage and Afternoon Offerings
The Solo Stage segment will feature an array of performances, such as “Lucia Sells Fish in the Mountains” by Sylvia Ann Soares and Baha Sadr’s artistic interpretation “Zahak the Great.” In the late afternoon and evening, attendees can expect a medley of comedic and whimsical performances, including plays like Gerald FitzGerald’s “Enkidu & Shahmat,” which offers a lively reinterpretation from the Gilgamesh epic, alongside Michele Mastroianni-Darche’s climate-focused family drama, “No Green Bananas.”
Interactive Discussions Enhancing the Experience
One of the standout features of the marathon is the opportunity for audience engagement with the playwrights. Throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to discuss the creative process behind the plays, making the experience more immersive and enriching. This element brings a personal touch to each performance, helping participants connect deeper with the narratives presented.
Ticket Information and Accessibility
Tickets for the marathon will be available at the door starting at 1:00 p.m. Pricing is set at $10 for a half-day pass and $20 for a full day. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s recommended to check the Culture*Park website and their social media pages for a complete schedule of times, participating playwrights, and detailed ticket information.
This year’s Short Plays Marathon not only celebrates local artistry but also serves as a vital platform for addressing societal issues through the lens of theater. Join the conversation and experience the power of storytelling in its most dynamic forms on November 18th at the Whaling Museum.
For more updates on local events, follow Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood on Twitter: @ChitwoodReports and subscribe to The Standard-Times for ongoing coverage of the arts scene in New Bedford and the surrounding areas.
