New Play Project 2010 Submission Information
Information for Current New Play Readings
May 22, 2010 at 7:30pm: Apes on Display by Joan Broadman
The location is the Bronx Zoo, New York. Back in the day, before our enlightened times, the "great white hunters" would go to Africa, and bring back animals for American zoos -- lions, and tigers and elephants -- and this time, a Pigmy man named Kenge Mabila. Kenge takes a job at the zoo (a job? He's not paid, but does get room and board), to care for some of the animals. He "befriends" an orangutan, and soon spends all his time in her cage. Eventually, the zoo director puts up a sign outside the cage, next to the orangutan's sign, effectively placing the man on display as well.
Two people try to come to the man's rescue from exploitation, as they see it. One of them is a Baptist Minister, the Director of the Bronx Home for Negro Children. He finds it offensive that a Negro is placed in a cage, and it sets a bad example. He wants to take the man to his Home -- though he is not a child -- and make him a gentleman and a Christian. He does eventually gets the zoo director to let him go, and what develops is the drama, and the tragedy (also some comedy) of the story.
June 22, 2010 at 7:30pm: End Papers by Barry Weinberg
We like to think that the bad things that happen to us are not our fault. But if your husband turns out to be a jerk, isn’t he the guy you thought was wonderful and chose to marry? It wasn’t your fault that the new owners of the literary magazine where you were the editor turned it into a flashy style magazine; but it was you who decided to quit. There is nothing funny about losing your job, then your husband, then your home, but you dismiss your friends and call them patronizing.
You get a job earning a pittance at End Papers, a used book store. But you are determined, and when you figure out that you can build a business where books are a commodity as well as a good read, you are back on your feet with a young boyfriend and ready for the future you always wanted. Or are you?
After each reading there will be a reception with the author and the cast which will give the audience an opportunity to discuss the work. All readings will take place at the Lindsay C. Petersen Rehearsal Hall, 266 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, Virginia. Admission to the readings is free, but space is limited. To attend, please reserve your seat at Online Box Office. For directions, visit www.restonplayers.org.
Questions? Contact us at RestonNewPlays@aol.com.
